O U R S T O R Y
St. Paul is excited to be celebrating 150 years of ministry in 2024. We are an independent church, with a heritage rooted in Methodism and the teachings of its founder, John Wesley. We have two campuses, both modern and traditional worship, a wonderful preschool and groups for all ages.
Our History…
St. Paul Ocean Springs is a vibrant church with a rich history. We now serve Ocean Springs as one church with two campuses, but the way we got to this point is a testament to the work of God in Ocean Springs, MS.
In 1853, Methodism was planted in Ocean Springs by a circuit rider named James Sampey. The first meetings were seven people gathered in members’ homes to worship. The membership grew quickly. By 1871, those a part of the Methodist movement in Ocean Springs sought to establish an official church in their community. Through the generosity, love, and hard work of its members and friends, the first Methodist Church was dedicated on March 17, 1872, located on the northwest corner of Porter Street and Rayburn Avenue. Methodist Bishop John Keener preached the dedication sermon and contributed three hundred dollars toward the cost of this first church building. Although never an official member of the Ocean Springs church, Bishop Keener provided a significant influence on this church until his death in 1905. There is a stained glass window dedicated in his memory in the present sanctuary at the downtown campus.
During the 1890’s, Bishop Keener offered the church two lots to construct a new sanctuary. In September 1890, the new church (known as Keener’s Chapel) was dedicated at the corner of Rayburn Avenue and Porter Street (the site of present-day St. Paul United Methodist Church downtown campus). Keener’s Chapel was a simple, one-room white-washed wooden structure. Sunday School was held in different areas of the sanctuary until the first Sunday School rooms were added to the back of the church through a generous donation from Mrs. Elizabeth Stuart, the first member on the rolls of the Ocean Springs Methodist Church.
The church continued its growth through World War I, the Great Depression and World War II. By the end of World War II, the Ocean Springs Methodist Church was recognized as a Station church, which was further acknowledgement of the growth, strength, and importance of this church in the community.
Since the end of World War II, the Ocean Springs Methodist Church has continued to grow both physically and spiritually. The post-World War II baby boom and economic growth had expanded church membership to more than 1300 members as the 20th Century drew to a close.
A larger sanctuary, fellowship hall, and Sunday School classrooms were added in 1955, 1962, and 1981 to keep up with the expanding membership. Properties adjoining the church were purchased.
In 1998, on September 13, St. Paul UMC voted to purchase seventeen acres of land at the corner of Highways 57 and 90 at a total cost of $725,000 to provide an option for future growth. In May, 2001, the church voted to begin Phase I of East Campus. This phase consisted of building a gym, outdoor sports fields for baseball and soccer, a full service kitchen, a small-service kitchen for the youth, Sunday School classrooms for adults, youth and elementary ages, a fellowship hall, and a youth gathering area.
The 28,000-square-feet facility was built at a cost of $3.2 million on time and on budget. Groundbreaking was in November, 2001, and dedication on Mother’s Day, 2003. Future plans call for Phase II (a formal sanctuary and additional education space) and Phase III (a pre-school).
Hurricane Katrina's impact in August, 2005, slowed progress on the phased planning, but the current multi-purpose structure on the East Campus has served the community well in post-Katrina by providing a staging area for CORE and UMCOR relief efforts. The impact these groups made on our residents in need was immeasurable. Many Jackson County homeowners can attest to the blessing and the true living witness the relief workers provided. This program existed through 2007.
In recent years St. Paul established ministries to pour into and support our community. Our Backpack Buddies Ministry partners with our local schools and exists to provide families experiencing food insecurity with food each week.
From both our Downtown Campus and our East Campus, we host three worship services for our community. Visit the “Plan Your Visit” page to find out which service is right for you.
Local History of Methodism in Ocean Springs, MS
from Ocean Springs Archives By Ray L. Bellande
The Stuarts and Methodism
William R. Stuart (1820-1894) and Lizzie McCauley Stuart (1840-1925) supported the First Methodist Church at Ocean Springs, which was located on the north side of Porter near Washington Avenue and built in 1872. In the spring of 1891, a writer for The New Orleans Christian Advocate visited Ocean Springs and gave a glowing report of the Methodist Church at this time: The writer enjoyed a trip to Ocean Springs, on Saturday last, where he was elegantly entertained at the typical Methodist Southern home of Col. And Mrs. W.R. Stuart, both well known for their warm-heartedness and Christian hospitality. Sister Stuart, who was for over twenty-seven years bedridden, has for the past six years slowly recovering, so that she is able, accompanied by her faithful nurse, to walk about the house and grounds. Her patient, gentle submission to God’s will through all these years of trial have preached sermons to many. God be praised for his loving kindness to our church for giving us such Methodists as Brother and Sister Stuart!
The congregation at the M.E. Church, South, Sunday morning, while not large, was very attentive, which was also true of the Sunday-school, superintended by Brother Shannon, a faithful local preacher. The song service, conducted by Brother Wm. R. Stuart, was charming. Mrs. Webb presided at the organ; a lady friend adding much to the music by playing the violin.
Ocean Springs is improving very fast. Over ten new houses, mostly residences, are now being erected. It is a delightful place to live in. So thinks Bishop Keener, who selected this place for his summer home years ago.(The New Orleans Christian Advocate, April 23, 1891). The corporal remains of Colonel W.R. Stuart, Elizabeth McCauley Stuart, and their faithful servant, Tempy Burton (1821-1925), are interred in the Evergreen Cemetery on Old Fort Bayou at Ocean Springs.
1899 Methodist Church
The 2nd Church
The second Methodist Church building to be constructed at Ocean Springs was erected in late 1899. The future building site was purchased from Jerry O' Keefe (1859-1911) by Bishop J.C. Keener on October 15, 1897, for $1100. The Keener lot, described as parts of Lot 1 and Lot 2 in Block 31 (Culmseig Map), was located on the southeast corner of Porter and Rayburn. The dimensions were 136 feet on the south side of Porter by 264 feet on the east side of Rayburn.( Jackson County, Ms. Land Deed Book 18, pp. 411-412).
Bishop Keener donated his lot to the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, in Ocean Springs. At the time of conveyance in August 1898, this board comprised the following persons: Oren Switzer, Thomas W. Grayson (1825-1904), William Toche (1862-1937), J.W. Clark, D.D. Cowan (1850-1929), O. Johnson, and Dr. A. Harry Shannon (1831-pre 1909).(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 19, pp. 178-179)
Initial reaction to the Keener land donation was to move the existing 1872 church building near Washington Avenue to the Porter-Rayburn site. It appears that a house suitable for a parsonage was already here. This concept quickly dissipated and the decision to proceed with a new sanctuary was made.(The New Orleans Christian Advocate, April 6, 1899)
In order to erect a church edifice on the lot given by Bishop Keener, the Trustees of the Ocean Springs Methodist Church in April 1899, decided to sell their house of worship and lot, near Washington Avenue. The church was offered to the public for $700 while the Methodist parsonage and grounds were priced at $900.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star", April 7, 1899, p. 3)
During the summer of 1899, enthusiasm in the Methodist Episcopal congregation on Porter for a new church building was high as members embarked enthusiastically to raise funds in the community. The proprietors of the lumber mills at Moss Point, the Dantzler Lumber Company, W. Denny & Company, the Moss Point Lumber Company, Bounds Mill, and Robinson & Company, made financial contributions amounting to three hundred dollars. The wholesale grocery firm, Schmidt & Ziegler of New Orleans, donated $50.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star July 28, 1899, September 28, 1900, and November 17, 1899) With these and other satisfactory accumulations of pecuniary gifts, The Pascagoula Democrat-Star announced on August 11, 1899, "the lumber is on the ground for the Methodist church building".
Additional funds to defray the building costs of the new Methodist Episcopal house of worship would come into the church treasury, after it was erected. The old sanctuary was sold to local pharmacist, Herman Nill (1863-1904), in April 1900.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, April 27, 1900)
Nill's Drug Store was on the northwest corner of Washington at Porter, just east of the old edifice. Nill utilized the lumber and materials from the Methodist church to erect a hotel for his mother-in-law, Katherine Vahle (1838-1914). The Vahle House was located on the northwest corner of Washington at Calhoun opposite the Shanahan House. It was destroyed in a conflagration, known as "The Big Fire", which occurred on the evening of November 15, 1916. As previously mentioned, the parsonage on Porter and Ward were sold in March 1902, for $550.(Bellande, 1994, pp. 108-111)
Rev. Howard Ware van Hook
In early January 1900, the new minister, Reverend Howard Ware Van Hook (1866-1947), with family arrived at Ocean Springs. They settled in the Bishop Keener donated parsonage on the east side of the sanctuary.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 5, 1900) Reverend Van Hook was born at New Orleans. His wife, Eleanor Ormond (1871-1947+), was a native of Meridian, Mississippi. Her mother and sister, Mrs. Lowther, were residing at Jackson in 1900. They visited Ocean Springs remaining as long as one month at the parsonage.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, August 24, 1900)
The Van Hooks had six children: Eleanor Van Hook (1895-1912), Benjamin O. Van Hook (1899-1986+), Eugenia V. Redding (1902-1991), Mary V. McAllister (1903-1986), Julia V. Oberhausen (b. 1905), and Francis V. Graham (1910-1973).(Charlene Cole, July 1, 1997)
On January 6, 1900, Preacher Van Hook delivered his first sermons in the old church at both morning and evening Sunday services. The attendance of the congregation was large and attentive. His first service was held in the new Methodist church on May 19, 1900. Although not finished, the reporter for The Pascagoula Democrat-Star related that "it is comfortable and spacious, and an improvement on the location of the old church.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 12, 1900 and May 25, 1900)
The Methodist Episcopal Church building was dedicated on Sunday, September 16, 1900, by Bishop Keener and Reverend W.H. Lewis. The Pascagoula Democrat-Star on September 28, 1900, reporting on the memorable event said that: The building is located in one of the most desirable lots in Ocean Springs, which lot with adjoining patronage is a twentieth century offering of Bishop Keener and wife to the Methodist church.... The auditorium is large and possesses fine acoustic properties. The dedicatory services were peculiar in that there were no debts to be removed, hence no special collection was taken; a singular fact on such occasions. The membership of the church to show their appreciation for the years of friendship and helpfulness shown to them by Bishop Keener, have named their new place of worship KEENER CHAPEL.
The Reverend Samuel S. Keener of New Orleans, delivered the sermon at the dedication.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, September 7, 1900)
Reverend Van Hook and family departed Ocean Springs in December 1901. His forty-five year, peripatetic career, as a circuit riding preacher, church minister, school teacher, and recreation worker, would see Van Hook serve Methodist congregations at Lauderdale, Meridian, Rolling Fork, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Woodville, Centreville, Silver City, Merryville, La., Sumrall, Vancleave, and Handsboro. Circa 1910, Reverend Van Hook became head master at the Methodist Sea Shore Camp Ground School at Biloxi. He resigned from this position in May 1925.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 26, 1900 and The Daily Herald, January 28, 1947, p. 1and p. 3 and October 3, 1976, B11 and B13)
REVEREND J.G. GALLOWAY
The Reverend J.G. Galloway was assigned to Ocean springs in January 1906.
Church Library
In January 1906, the nucleus of the church library was commenced when Mrs. Mattie L. Holcomb (1833-1906), the widow of Thomas A.E. Holcomb (1831-1897), donated books from her home library. Mrs. Holcomb's residence, "Hollywood", was located directly across the street from the Methodist sanctuary, on the north side of Porter. Mrs. Holcomb's gifts included Henry's Exposition and Clark's Commentaries, as well as several other historical and theological offerings.(The Pascagoula Democrat-Star, January 26, 1906)
Mrs. Stuart’s legacy
In October 1925, with the execution of the succession of the estate of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Stuart (1840-1925), by her cousin, William H. Howcutt (1847-1927) of New Orleans, the Methodist community of Ocean Springs was bestowed many valuable assets.( JXCO, Ms. Chancery Court Cause No. 4500-July 1925 and The Daily Herald, October 27, 1925, p. 1)
Included among the personal items donated by Mrs. Stuart were her valuable bookcase and pictures. Other Stuart gifts were: the three large, lancet, stain-glassed windows in memory of Bishop J.C. Keener, Colonel W.R. Stuart, and Mrs. Lizzie Stuart; a cash gift of $500 to secure a library for the Sunday school; a cash gift of $2000 to construct "The Lizzie McCauley Stuart Memorial Rooms", Sunday school class rooms.(The New Orleans Christian Advocate, November 19, 1925, p. 9)
Annex
In December 1926, Fred Bradford was rapidly completing construction of an annex to the sanctuary. It was anticipated to be ready soon.(The Jackson County Times, January 2, 1926)
St. Paul’s-a name change
The Methodist Quarterly Conference approved the change of the name of their Ocean Springs Methodist church to St. Paul’s in June 1934. New stewards appointed at this time were Frank C. Buehler (1909-1985) and H.P. Flateau (1888-1955). Mrs. Hilligoss was the choir leader while Walter Armstrong (1878-1945) was the General Superintendent. Sunday school teachers were: Mrs. R.L. Walton, adult; Eleanor Bradford, intermediates; Elizabeth Bradford, primary; and Virginia Thompson Lee (1901-1986), beginners.(The Jackson County Times, June 16, 1934, p. 3)
Church festivals
In late summers before World War II, the St. Paul's congregation held festivals to raise money. A common site for this event was the lot north of Bailey's Drug Store, now Lovelace Drugs, on Washington Avenue. Picnic style food was served: sandwiches, gumbo, salad, cakes, candy, ice cream, and cold drinks. A fortune teller and shooting gallery were utilized as part of the entertainment.(Jackson County, Times, August 19, 1939)
1962 St. Paul's United Methodist Church
3rd Church
In 1961, plans were initiated for the construction of a new sanctuary at the site of the 1899 Methodist Episcopal Church. The cornerstone for St. Paul's United Methodist Church was set on May 27, 1962. M.G. Schuler, Mary G. Joachim (1902-1978), Horace Gladney (1894-1975), W.E. Wilson (1913-1985), Chester McPhearson Jr., H.A. Lowe, and V.B. Fox were Church Trustees at the time.(The Mississippi Methodist Advocate, June ? 1962, p. 4 and The Ocean Springs News, May 31, 1962, p. 1 and JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 216, p. 249)
The approximate 11,500 square-foot, church was of masonry construction and built by James F. Bates, a Pass Christian contractor, from a design by Claude Lindsley (1894-1969), local architect. Its sanctuary had laminated beams and had a seating capacity for 350 people. In addition, the new structure had a social hall, twelve Sunday School rooms, kitchen, church offices, and a choir room.(The Ocean Springs News, March 22, 1962, p. 1 and September 27, 1962)
The first service was held in the new church on October 21, 1962, with the Reverend J.H. Dillard present. It was dedicated on January 13, 1963.(The Mississippi Methodist Advocate, December 19, 1962 and The Ocean Springs News, January 17, 1963, p. 1)
The old sanctuary was relocated to the rear of the Church lot on Porter Avenue. It was planned to use the structure for Sunday school classes and Boy Scout meetings.(The Ocean Springs News, March 22, 1962, p. 1)
East Campus
In early November 1998, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church acquired from Robert J. Lucas Jr. et al for $867,000, 17-acres in Section 30, T7S-R7W, just west of the northwest corner of the intersection of US Highway 90 and Ms. Highway 57. The 17- acre tract was assembled from six parcels.(JXCO, Ms. Land Deed Bk. 1157, p. 169)
Here in November 2001, ground was broken for the Christian Life Center, a 28,000 square-foot structure. The three and one-half million dollar facility was to house a family life center, fellowship hall, Sunday school classrooms, three nurseries, and a youth activity room. A soccer pitch and ball diamond were planned for outside activities. The second project on the east campus of St. Paul’s will be a four million dollar sanctuary. The facility is served by the Reverend Kelly Pope, Senior Pastor, and Reverend Tom East.(The Mississippi Press, November 12, 2001, p. 6-A and The Ocean Springs Record, May 15, 2003, p. A1)
St. Paul's United Methodist Church-East Campus
St. Paul’s Christian Life Center was built by Fletcher Construction Company of Pascagoula, Mississippi as the first phase of Christian Life Center concept. The large structure was composed of: offices, classrooms, fellowship hall, and gymnasium, which will serve as the sanctuary, until Phase II, the actual sanctuary, is built. On May 11th, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church held its first services in the new Christian Life Center on US 90. The former sanctuary on Porter Street continues for parishioners who desired to remain. The new facility was dedicated on June 15, 2003, by Bishop Kenneth L. Carder.(The Ocean Springs Record, May 15, 2003, p. A1)
Fellowship Church
In July 2003, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church entered into a one-year contract with the Fellowship Church, a contemporary Christian worship group, to let their sanctuary and offices at 800 Porter Street. The group had two Sunday services, a 10:30 a.m. worship service and a 6:00 p.m. teenage service. Chris Erwin, associate pastor, related that the Fellowship Church possessed 12.5 acres of land on the Ocean Springs-Vancleave Road and aspired to build an eight hundred fifty seat multipurpose auditorium cum gymnasium and stage. The congregation members of St. Paul’s that didn’t want to worship at the new East Campus facility had an 8:15 a.m. worship service and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. at the 800 Porter Street facility.(The Ocean Springs Record, July 17, 2003, p. A1)