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A Brief History of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Coffeyville, Kansas is a member of the Episcopal Church through its participation in the life and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. It is an active parish of the Diocese's Southeast Convocation.
The city of Coffeyville was founded in 1869 as a center for business in the area, and was named for Colonel Coffey, an early merchant. The arrival of the railroad resulted in fast growth and a boom town. In 1872 the need for an Episcopal Church in this little border town began to be discussed. Many eastern men and women strong in the Episcopal faith had settled in Coffeyville. Major Osborne, a wealthy land owner, offered a tract of land in what is now "downtown Coffeyville: with the understanding that the church building be erected within a year and dedicated to the worship of God in the dignified Catholic manner of "High Church".
St. Paul's was established as a mission in 1872 under the leadership of Rev. Archibald Beatty. In 1873, Father L. L. Holden became the first full-time vicar of St. Paul's Parish. Mrs. Robert Wells was the first communicant of the church. From 1876 to 1913 more than 700 people were confirmed and 1,000 were baptized in that church. St. Paul's was incorporated on September 7, 1878.
In 1912 the current site at 7th and Elm streets was purchased for a larger building. The new St. Paul's was completed in 1913 and consecrated in 1914 by the third Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas, the Right Reverend Frank Millspaugh. In 1960, a bequest allowed for the addition of a parish hall and a rectory to the existing sanctuary. In 1987, the vacant property north of the rectory was acquired. In 1999 the Narthex was completely refurbished. As a result of a Capital Funds Campaign, the north lot was paved into a parking lot with a drive-thru canopy and automatic door, an elevator and new floor were installed in the Parish Hall, and a new roof was added on all the buildings. Also the entire Thrift Shop area in the undercroft was repaired and modernized. Finally, a new outdoor sign was placed at the corner of 7th and Elm Streets.
St. Paul's is a warm and caring congregation with a blend of traditional Anglo-Catholic and Evangelical elements. It is strongly based on the Bible and prayer and fortified by vigorous lay leadership. St. Paul's strives to meet the worshiping needs of a variety of people. There is opportunity for quiet reflection, personal prayer and the expression of joy and love in every service.
Today, St. Paul's continues as an active witness to the resurrected Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit, and provides outreach service and healing to the community. Every communicant at St. Paul's is considered a minister to carry out this purpose. We are a body with many parts and we rejoice that our diversity is no enemy of unity. It is our prayer that God will use our efforts to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and contribute to the renewal of His One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic church by strengthening the various members of His body here.