St. Paul's Church of Palmer
Unitarian Universalist
Who We Are
St. Paul’s Church of Palmer
has been a cornerstone of the greater Palmer community since 1860!
Founded on the grace-filled message of the Apostle Paul and the inclusive spirit of early Universalist worship, our church has compassionately served the needs of the community for over 160 years.
At St. Paul’s, our vision is to offer vibrant worship through inspiring music, guided meditation, thoughtful prayer, a welcoming community, and meaningful messages drawn from the Bible and other sacred and inspirational writings. Our hope is to meet the ever-evolving needs of our community by sharing God’s love and compassion with all who seek it.
We recognize that there are many churches and places of worship, each with its own unique message, style, and vision—yet all sharing in the greater purpose of divine love and spiritual discovery.
If you seek a church that embraces you as you are—without seeking to change your understanding of God, faith, tradition, spirituality, or reality—perhaps St. Paul’s is the place for you. We offer insights and experiences from diverse perspectives, inviting deeper, broader, and more meaningful spiritual growth.
Come as you are. You are welcome here.
her and perhaps broader understandings and spirituality. Come and visit, you may just discover that ...
There is a Place for You Here !
Our Ministries
At the heart of St. Paul’s Church is a commitment to compassionate and meaningful care for the greater Palmer community. We strive to offer ongoing programs and events that provide ministry to people at all stages of life and from diverse backgrounds.
Equally important to us is the ability to respond with openness and spontaneity to the spiritual and social needs of our community as they arise.
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
Barbara Windoloski
Wes Hunter
Minister
Chair, Board of Trustees
Minister of Music
Jane Alois
Barbara Stone
Property & Grounds Chair
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