Saint Paul's Church in Norfolk was built in the early 18th century.& It is a thriving church today, and also has an interesting history dating back to the colonial era.
The Elizabeth River Parish was created in 1637 as early settlers began to occupy land that would become known as Norfolk county. A wooden Chapel of Ease was erected for the colonial congregation, and later that century the Governor of Virginia granted land for a church to be built and a new parish church, of brick and wood was constructed.
With the growth of Norfolk Borough in the 18th century, the authorities decided to build a larger church. This was based on the cruciform design with a relatively plain interior, and was completed in 1739. The building suffered a shelling when Norfolk came under attack from colonial Lord Dunmore, and the remains of a shell were discovered in the southeast wall.
Following the disestablishment of the Church of England in Virginia the church was used for Baptist services in the early 19th century, and later a an Episcopal church when it was consecrated as Saint Paul's by the Bishop Richard Channing Moore.
Following the Civil War, when the church was occupied by federal forces, the building was repaired and a more elaborate interior in the Victorian-style was installed. A parish house and the tower were also added at this time. In the early 20th century the interior was restored to its Colonial origins and more recently hand-crafted glass windows and other period features have been added.
