Saint Paul's Episcopal Parish, Malden, Massachusetts

Saint Paul's Episcopal Parish, Malden, Massachusetts

Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.

Building & History

This church certainly has an Anglican, medieval air about it, and it certainly is small, and yet it feels sort of grand when you are sitting in the pews between the massive columns holding up the nave. The parish dates back to 1861 and the current church had its cornerstone laid in 1913. I'm thankful to St. Paul's website for providing details such as the architect, Ralph Adams Cram, who was a prominent neo-gothic architect. It is worth taking a look at his Wikipedia page, he was prolific, designing many churches, some highly regarded, university buildings on campuses such as Princeton, and locally designing the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield MA. I found a link that suggests that the organ is a W. W. Kimball op 6943, built in 1927, but installed at Saint Paul's in 1954 with some modifications.

The Congregation

The church defines itself as "Welcoming and serving all in Christ's name," which is an expression of the intent to lead an inclusive parish. Saint Paul's certainly seemed to be a close community as I noted people intermingling and greeting each other prior to the service. They also had a coffee hour afterwards. Perhaps due to the parish being in an urban setting, it was easy to maintain solitude in this church if that is your preference. I was greeted but quickly and casually. I also was not the only visitor.

The Service

The organ was played before the official start of the service, and was featured prominently throughout. Classic hymns such as Love Divine, All Loves Excelling were featured with Rev. Mary Jane Donohue singing strongly and encouraging the parish by example. Readings were Job (1:1, 2:1-10), A Letter to the Hebrews (1:1-4; 2:5-12), and Mark (10:2-16). The Job passage speaks to the idea that faith should not be only present during good times, but rather despite hardship, setbacks, dark times, faith in goodness should remain strong. The excerpts from the Letter to the Hebrews seem to remind that Christ intended to be relatable to people, to be amongst them.  The Mark passage spoke of avoiding divorce. Rev. Donohue's sermon expressed a desire that people try to seek unity, to avoid division, with reference to the unfortunate divisiveness existing in today's environment. An analogy was made that we are divorced as a society and must avoid this for the sake of all.

I found the plaster finish on the walls seemed to add to an old English feel I see in many photos of chapels and churches in the British countryside

Outreach

The Saint Paul's Facebook Page details some of their activity outside of church services. Events like a recent flea market serve as community building activity at the church. A video is posted that includes some congregation members participating in advocacy for immigrants at the Massachusetts state house. Several postings on the page demonstrate a continued effort towards this cause.

In addition to service as a spiritual center, Saint Paul's works to improve Malden and the surrounding community from beyond its walls.

Text and photographs by George Parks

Sources are embedded in links