St. Paul's Church of Palmer
Unitarian Universalist
Who We Are
St. Paul’s Church of Palmer has been prominent in the greater Palmer area since 1860! Founded proclaiming the grace message of The Apostle Paul and the inclusive message of the early Universalist worship, it has compassionately ministered to the community’s needs for over 160 years.
At St. Paul’s church our vision is to provide vibrant worship through inspiring music, guided meditation, thoughtful prayer, growing community and a moving sermon from the Bible and other sacred and inspirational writings. Our hope is to minister to the ever-changing life of our community by bringing compassion and the love of God to those who are in need.
There are many churches and places of worship among us; each with their own unique message, styles, priorities, vision, and ministries; each one sharing in the purpose of God’s love and spiritual discovery.
Perhaps you would like a church that accepts you for who you are without trying to change your understanding of God, faith, tradition, spirituality, or reality. A church which offers insights and experiences from different perspectives which may usher us into deeper, higher and perhaps broader understandings and spirituality. Come and visit, you may just discover that ...
There is a Place for You Here !
Our Ministries
St. Paul’s Church has at its heart, compassionate and relevant care for the greater Palmer community. We see it as our role to have ongoing programs and events to provide ministry to people at all stages of life and from many backgrounds. Also important to us is to be able to be spontaneous in rising to the spiritual and social needs of the community as they present themselves.
Current and Future Ministries of St. Paul’s
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Our Leadership
St. Paul’s Church of Palmer is organized according to the traditional congregational church style. Each church member may participate in a democratic fashion. The members vote for those who serve on the Board of Trustees, church officers and staff members. Members also make major decisions for the church, while the trustees and church staff provide ongoing direction and ministry.
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Rev. Steven Sousa
Minister
Barbara Windoloski
Chairperson of Board of Trustees
Barbara Stone
Church Organist & Music Director
Jane Alois
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 deeply blessed with wonderful facilities for worship, and to serve the community. St. Paul’s Church sanctuary is a beautiful and historic space that lends itself to both reverential and joyful worship! Our Gothic style church is built of Monson granite with two towers, the taller 130 ft. high. The church building is one of the most beautiful edifices in the area with gloriously colorful stained-glass windows rich in symbolism. It provides the greater Palmer community with just the right setting for weddings, child dedication ceremonies, funeral services, and other important occasions.
Next door is the Fellowship House building with church offices, Sunday school and youth meeting rooms, a bright open hall and stage perfect for after church gatherings and special events. The hall with the full-service style kitchen has often been used by families and community groups for meals, receptions, concerts, plays, dances, youth and adult events and fund-raising benefits. The numerous rooms and classrooms have seen use by Scouts, A.A. meetings, the Salvation Army, and other non-profit organizations.
Charitable groups also use facilities provided by St. Paul’s: they include both a local day care, and the Palmer Food Share (founded by St. Paul’s in 1982). Their spaces are provided with reduced rate or entirely free.
If your group or special function needs a church facility be sure to consider St. Paul’s.
Winter of 23'
Sanctuary renovations !
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Our Community Outreaches
The many beautiful buildings here at St. Paul’s are home to more than just our congregation. We are happy to share our space with several wonderful non-profit groups here in Palmer.
St. Paul’s founded the Palmer Food Bank (now Food Share Inc. an independent non-profit group). Our church owns the building which houses the local Food Share, Inc.. In addition to providing rent-free space, many members of St. Paul’s also volunteer with Food Share. from serving as a board member, to helping to distribute food, to making donations of food.
We also provide rent-free space to an active Alcohol Anonymous group and have provided spaces to other charitable groups such as The Salvation Army and other Palmer-area non-profits who provide services to our community.
The Quaboag Children’s Center also makes use of a wing of our church building for its day care and preschool programs. This generous space is provided by St. Paul’s at a reduced rental rate.
Sunday Services:
Come join us in worship, every Sunday morning at 10:00!
All are welcome!
Join us after for Fellowship & Coffee & Refreshments “Fun Day” Sunday school for children held at the same time as our service throughout the school year.
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