Founded in 1864 and with construction completed in 1865, the walls of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church have been home to some remarkable history. In fact, it actually predates the incorporation of Put-in-Bay! It stands today as both a historical landmark and a house of worship.
Saint Paul’s has services year-round at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Additionally, during Put-in-Bay’s summer months, when the island is filled with visitors, Saint Paul’s hosts a second service earlier in the morning, at 7:45 AM. Saint Paul’s offers the sacraments of baptism, communion, and confirmation. They also perform marriage ceremonies and renewal of wedding vows. In addition to worship, the church offers tours during the week, so visitors can learn about its history. Self-guided tours are available from 9 AM-4 PM on weekdays, and if you’d prefer a guided tour, they are available during the same times, just call ahead for information about the tours.
Saint Paul’s is built on land purchased for the purpose of building a church by American financier Jay Cooke. Cooke’s bank was a primary source of funds for the Union during the Civil War. Salmon P. Chase, at the time Chief Justice of the United States, and at other points in his life Governor of Ohio, U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Treasury, was in attendance for the inaugural service at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. This is just the beginning of the history you will learn about on Saint Paul’s fascinating tours!
The services at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church are open to members of all faiths. Reach out to them with any additional questions, they would be happy to answer them for you. If you are a weekly church-goer, you don’t have to worry about your trip to Put-in-Bay interfering with your worship routine, Saint Paul’s cannot wait to have you join them as a guest!