The Rector’s Welcome

 Greetings on behalf of St. Paul’s Anglican Church! St. Paul’s is a wonderful, multi-generational church full of loving people, a welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful worship. There are no requirements or prerequisites for attendance. We invite you to join us, whether you have been a lifelong Anglican, a Christian interested in exploring the historic faith in a liturgical tradition, or are searching either for a church home or the kind of peace we can only receive from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Anglicanism is a beautiful Christian tradition based on the Scriptures, the received Tradition of the Church, and the Sacraments. We believe that worship should be permeated by the “beauty of holiness.” What we do together in our liturgies should be a template for how we live: “that we may show forth your praise not only with our lips but in our lives.” The Anglican Church became a distinct entity during the English Reformation but our worship and practices were designed to be a middle path between the traditional Roman Catholic faith and Protestant denominations. 

At St. Paul’s our worship is primarily guided by the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Rather than creating “new and exciting ways” to salvation, we preach “the faith as it was once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). In order for us to move forward as the Church, we have to look backwards—to the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.

The membership at St. Paul’s is diverse and vibrant, coming from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences. Some were lifelong Christians, while many others were seekers looking for guidance without realizing who they were seeking.

As Jesus invites those who would be his disciples in John 1:39, “Come and see.” Come join us for worship, for Bible study, or for one of our social events and see how God is at work in our community through the proclamation of the Gospel, administration of the Sacraments, and the pursuit of holiness. You will be welcomed with the love of Jesus Christ. There is a place for you here!

God bless you!

Fr. Wesley
Rector

Liturgical Worship
Liturgy is more than just a set of rituals; it is a sacred conversation with God that has been shaped over centuries. Through shared prayers, readings, and responses, we connect with the rich history of our faith and find our place in the larger story of God’s people. The liturgy invites us to engage all our senses in worship, from the spoken word to the beauty of music and visual symbols. By participating fully in the liturgy, we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace and deepen our relationship with God. We provide bulletins that help you follow along better at every service.

The Eucharist
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is the central act of worship in our church because it is a sacred meal in which we encounter Christ’s Real Presence and receive spiritual nourishment, forgiveness of sins, and unity with Christ and one another. The Eucharist makes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross present to us and gives us his promise of eternal life. By sharing in this holy meal, we are strengthened for our journey of faith and empowered to live out Christ’s love in the world.

Reverence, Wonder, and Awe
Our liturgical and sacramental worship evokes a sense of reverence, wonder, and awe as we encounter the mystery of God’s presence. Through the beauty of music, the symbolism of rituals, and the power of shared prayer, we are drawn deeper into relationship with God. Our worship invites us to step outside the ordinary and enter into the heavenly worship of angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven. In this atmosphere of reverence and awe, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace and find renewal for our souls.

Community
At St. Paul’s, we believe that faith is not just a personal journey, but a shared experience. We are a community of believers who support, encourage, and challenge one another to grow in our relationship with God. We invite you to become part of our vibrant community and connect with others who share your faith. After each of our Sunday services, we gather for coffee hour in the parish hall. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and build lasting relationships.

We're so glad you're here. Whether you're new to the area, searching for a church home, or simply curious about our parish, we invite you to become a part of our community! The best way for you to get connected is to sign up for our weekly parish newsletter so that you can know what’s happening at the parish.

The historic St. Paul’s Chapel has served the Crownsville/Annapolis area for almost 150 years. Our chapel is on the National Historic Register for its Victorian Gothic structure.

The chapel was built in 1861 for Severn Parish (now St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church) members who lived in the Crownsville area.

In 1987 The Anglican Parish of St. Charles the Martyr purchased St. Paul's Chapel and restored the building and grounds. In 2004, we became St. Paul's Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Province of America.

On October 12, 2008, due to growing attendance and member participation, a new church building adjacent to the chapel was dedicated. The new church was consecrated by The Most Reverend Walter Grundorf, the presiding bishop of the Anglican Province of America on September 18, 2016. The new building provides additional space for worship, fellowship, Christian education, and office space and will continue to preserve the historic integrity of the older chapel and allow St. Paul's to continue to grow.

God continues to bless this hallowed ground and St. Paul's Parish with His presence from generation to generation.