Our History
Our history as a congregation dates back to 1848 making it one of the oldest protestant congregations in the State. The Rev. Benjamin Close organized the church under the name Market Street Church when St. Paul had a population of 150. It was the first Protestant house of worship in the territory located on the site of what is now the St. Paul Hotel.
As the population of St. Paul increased over the next few years, a new church building was built at 9th and Jackson, the Jackson Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
By 1880, the congregation again outgrew its space and built the Central Park Methodist Episcopal Church on 12th and Minnesota Streets. Many organizations and groups from the urban community used the spacious building facilities, including a group that later became Goodwill Industries.
As the population of St. Paul increased over the next few years, a new church building was built at 9th and Jackson, the Jackson Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
By 1880, the congregation again outgrew its space and built the Central Park Methodist Episcopal Church on 12th and Minnesota Streets. Many organizations and groups from the urban community used the spacious building facilities, including a group that later became Goodwill Industries.
St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, displaced by the I-94 construction, was cut in half fracturing its identity as a cultural center. |
In 1961 the church, along with any homes, at least a dozen apartments and row houses, churches, a school and businesses were razed to make way for Interstate 94. Much of the displaced community had to move out of downtown to suburbs and began attending more nearby churches.
The remaining congregation had to do some real soul searching in order to determine where their new church building was to be located. After much discussion, the congregation voted to continue its presence in the inner city. The new church, at 14th and Jackson, was of contemporary design -- a subject of debate among some members pining the loss of their magnificent old church. The same year the word “episcopal” was eliminated from our name.
The remaining congregation had to do some real soul searching in order to determine where their new church building was to be located. After much discussion, the congregation voted to continue its presence in the inner city. The new church, at 14th and Jackson, was of contemporary design -- a subject of debate among some members pining the loss of their magnificent old church. The same year the word “episcopal” was eliminated from our name.
THE IDEA behind “THE RECOVERY CHURCH” was A PLACE WHERE ALCOHOLICS, ADDICTS, & BROKEN PEOPLE WOULD be WELCOMED & LOVED WITH OPEN ARMS. |
In 2000, after attempts at increasing the membership of the church using different focuses and programs, we came up with the idea of “The Recovery Church”, a place where alcoholics, addicts, and broken people would not only be tolerated, but welcomed and loved with open arms. From a very modest beginning of one service a month, we soon added a second service every week to our schedule. Gratefully, the Recovery Community has found a home here.
In 2009, we sold the 639 Jackson Street building -- temporarily worshiped at the Berean Church at 441 Rice Street, until we purchased the 253 State Street building where we worship today.
In 2009, we sold the 639 Jackson Street building -- temporarily worshiped at the Berean Church at 441 Rice Street, until we purchased the 253 State Street building where we worship today.