"St. Paul's is the oldest house of worship in Beloit, Wisconsin, built in 1850," consecrated in 1856 by Jackson Kemper, the "bishop of all outdoors," and Fr. James DeKoven. For years its nearest neighbor was the Chicago & Northwestern station (alas, torn down, as was Milwaukee’s.) From the back, along the river, it almost appears one of the old industrial buildings itself, except for the bustle of worshipers using the entrance from the spacious parking area.

The church faces Grand Avenue, a street the beckons walkers to downtown. On this Pentecost Sunday, the color red fills the pews. The white walls and dark wood glow. The windows, carried to a young Beloit by wagons, light the starkly modern crucifix. This was crafted by local artist Vern Shaffer and depicts the triumphant Christ bursting his grave bonds. 

Peggy Page, who is 85 years old and a member since 1947, does the financials for Olde Rectory Sales, "house and estate sales in the Greater Beloit area." The church receives 1/3 of the gross in three to five events a year. "We’ve earned a desirable reputation. Our sales are well-displayed and well-run." And a great deal of work: Volunteers inventory a house’s inventory for the owners "down to the last fly swatter," and sell or donate everything in a two and a half day sale.

And many St. Paul’s people perform "lots of quiet outreach," said Susan Gillespie. "Lots of very good people" are individually meeting needs, lending hands, outside of formal congregational structures. Many charities are bi-state; perhaps one third of St. Paul’s members live in Illinois.

Drop in to visit the Rev. Gail Abbot in her office and your eye is held by the gorgeous Creation quilt on her wall, Creation themed and in fact her own creation. Every other Spring the church is filled with quilts, displayed on walls, draped over pew backs, filling the space with color. "They are displayed beautifully, with appropriate props," Carolyn Hansen said. Admission is charged to the show, one quilt is raffled, luncheon is served. The entire community enjoys it.

Though the parish has its share of 80, and 90, year olds, young people are a vital part of the family too. Three are preparing for confirmation, and they presently serve as acolytes and chalice bearers. The Sunday School has a group of 4-10 year olds, and another of teens. They host the Palm Sunday Bake and Egg sale; at other times they go out for bowling, mini-golf, or to cool off at the water park. On Youth Sunday, when the rooms are occupied by a sheltered family, they fill various slots: they usher, bring the offerings forward, read the lessons. In preparation for this last role, some who had a bit of trouble with the lections, or with stage fright, had a novel pair of helpers. Londyn and Zee the Reading Dogs sat next to the students. Petting the dogs had a calming effect, alleviating stress.  

When Mother Gail decided some six years ago to make St. Paul’s, Beloit, her home, it was the diversity of the congregation and the deep sense of community involvement that drew her. Deacon Tyriver expressed the feeling: "We’re not a large parish. But there is an awareness outside of our own community, an awareness of the needs of the world."