Our History

A visionary past and an eye toward the future.

Woodbury is the place where the Episcopal Church was born. Rooted in our history, we continue to grow in new ways, adapting to follow where God is leading.

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church sign with steeple in the background, organized 1740.

The Founding of St. Paul’s Woodbury Church (1740)

St. Paul’s Church was founded in 1740, establishing a spiritual home in Woodbury. Its roots in the community run deep, shaping the future of faith in the region.

Portrait of a dignified older man in formal attire with a serious expression, wearing a dark coat and white cravat, against a plain background.

The Leadership of Rev. John Rutgers Marshall (1771)

In 1771, the Rev. John Rutgers Marshall became St. Paul’s first rector. His visionary leadership laid the groundwork for the church’s lasting impact, both locally and nationally.

Vintage illustration of a man with curly hair and a formal coat, looking to the right.

The Birthplace of the Episcopacy (1783)

In 1783, St. Paul’s became the birthplace of the Episcopacy in America when Samuel Seabury was elected the first Bishop of Connecticut, solidifying Woodbury's historic place in the Episcopal Church.