St. Paul's Church of Palmer
Unitarian Universalist
Who We Are
St. Paul’s Church of Palmer
has been part of the greater Palmer community since 1860, offering a place of worship, reflection, and care across generations.
Rooted in the grace-filled message of the Apostle Paul and the inclusive spirit of early Universalist faith, our church has sought to serve the community with compassion for more than 160 years.
Today, we seek to offer worship that is thoughtful and life-giving, shaped by music, guided meditation, reflective prayer, a welcoming community, and meaningful messages drawn from the Bible and other sacred and inspirational writings. Our hope is to respond to the evolving needs of our time by sharing God’s love and compassion with openness and humility.
We recognize that there are many churches and spiritual communities, each with its own voice, style, and vision. While these paths may differ, many share a common purpose: to nurture love, encourage growth, and invite spiritual discovery.
If you are seeking a church that embraces you as you are — without asking you to change how you understand God, faith, tradition, spirituality, or the nature of reality — you may find a spiritual home here. We offer space for exploration, insight, and experience drawn from diverse perspectives, inviting deeper and more meaningful spiritual growth.
Come and visit, you may just discover that ...
There is a Place for You Here !
Our Ministries
At the heart of St. Paul’s Church is a commitment to compassionate and meaningful care for the greater Palmer community. We seek to offer programs, gatherings, and events that support people at different stages of life and from a wide range of backgrounds.
Alongside this ongoing work, we value the ability to respond with openness and flexibility to the spiritual and social needs of our community as they arise, shaping ministries and gatherings that reflect those evolving needs.”
Ministries of St. Paul’s
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Our Leadership
St. Paul’s Church of Palmer is organized in the congregational tradition, meaning the life and direction of the church are shaped by its members. Participation is open and democratic, with members voting to call church leaders, elect the Board of Trustees, and make major decisions together.
Trustees and church staff provide ongoing leadership, care, and ministry, working in partnership with the congregation to support the shared life and mission of the church.
The following individuals currently serve in leadership and ministry at St. Paul’s Church of Palmer.
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Rev. Steven Sousa
Minister
Barbara Windoloski
Wes Hunter
Chair, Board of Trustees
Minister of Music
Jane Alois
June Bacon
Property & Grounds Chair
Children’s Education Director
Joanne Baldridge
Office Administrator
Our Story
St. Paul’s Church had its earliest beginnings back in 1830 when Christian Universalist preacher Thomas Whittemore of Cambridge spoke to small groups in Palmer and Brimfield.
The Universalists understood that God’s unconditional love was for all, and that for all a place in heaven was provided. The teachings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament were highly influential. St. Paul’s formally became a church in 1860.
In 1879 the Gothic Style church building of Monson granite, was built. It is this extraordinary church, along with the more recently built fellowship hall and Sunday school classrooms that we worship in today!
Our Facilities
We are grateful for spaces that support both worship and service to the wider community. The sanctuary at St. Paul’s Church is a historic and welcoming place, well suited to moments of reverence as well as celebration. Built of Monson granite in a Gothic style, the church features two towers — the taller rising 130 feet — and stained-glass windows rich in color and symbolism.
The sanctuary has long served the greater Palmer community as a setting for weddings, child dedication ceremonies, memorial services, and other meaningful occasions.
Next door, the Fellowship House includes church offices, meeting rooms, and a bright, open hall with a stage, well suited for gatherings and special events. The hall and full-service kitchen are regularly used for meals, receptions, concerts, performances, youth and adult events, and community gatherings. Additional rooms and classrooms provide flexible space for meetings, programs, and shared use.
Together, these buildings allow St. Paul’s to be both a place of worship and a place of hospitality, learning, and community life.
If your group or special function needs a church facility be sure to consider St. Paul’s.
Sanctuary renovations !
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Our Community Outreaches
The buildings at St. Paul’s are home to more than our congregation alone. We believe our spaces are meant to serve the wider Palmer community, and we are grateful to share them with organizations and ministries that meet real needs close to home.
St. Paul’s founded the Palmer Food Share in 1982, which has since grown into an independent nonprofit organization serving local families. The church continues to own the building that houses Palmer Food Share and provides the space rent-free. Many members of St. Paul’s also support this work through volunteering, board leadership, food distribution, and donations. The Quaboag Children’s Center also makes use of a wing of the church building for its day care and preschool programs, with space provided at a reduced rental rate.
The Fellowship House is also home to Bread & Belonging, a free community meal sponsored by St. Paul’s Church. This ministry brings neighbors together around shared food, conversation, and hospitality, offering a welcoming space where all are invited to gather and be nourished.
In addition, St. Paul’s provides space for an active Alcoholics Anonymous group and has welcomed other nonprofit and charitable organizations over the years, including the Salvation Army and Palmer-area groups offering community services.
Through these partnerships, St. Paul’s seeks to live out its commitment to compassion, generosity, and shared responsibility for the well-being of our community.
Sunday Services:
Come join us in worship, every Sunday morning at 10:00!
All are welcome!
Join us after worship for fellowship, coffee, and refreshments — an easy, unhurried time to linger, talk, and get to know one another.
Contact Us
(413) 283-8185
St. Paul's Church of Palmer Unitarian Universalist
Address
We're the big granite church located on Park Street (Route 20) between Central Street and Walnut Street (1060 Central St. Palmer, MA). Fellowship Hall and the church offices are located directly behind the church building.
1060 Central Street Rt. 20
Palmer MA, 01069
Mailing Address: P.O. box 307
Palmer, Ma. 01069