OUR HISTORY
St. Paul’s UCC was originally formed as a German Lutheran congregation in 1886. We have evolved over our more than 130 years in Laramie! First through the German Evangelical Synod and then the Evangelical & Reformed tradition which joined with the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ in 1957. The church building was erected in 1890, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (as St. Paulus Kirche). According to a document on file with the National Register, “St. Paul’s Church is the oldest remaining church structure in Laramie and is representative of the conservative influences exerted by religious groups in isolated western communities which made significant contributions to a trend toward a permanent well ordered civil minded communities in temporary boom towns.”
The building is not the church -- it's people are. The church has since evolved, with a diverse membership and progressive attitude, representative of the UCC. We are proud of our history, and we are focused on creatively drawing from our past to vision anew where God is calling us in our present and our future.
Historical Documents
Thanks to the dedication of members of our church, we have historical books and booklets available to download or purchase. Click the links below to learn more.
Published in 1937, the Souvenir of the Golden Jublilee is a historical account of the first 50 years of the St. Paul's Church. It focuses on the highlights due to limited records and publishing constraints. This 32 page document includes a brief history of Laramie, stories of the reverends and other important men and women of the church, statistics, photographs, and more.
A brief explanation of the symbolism of the stained glass window placed over the front entrance door of the church in 1946 .
This 19 page commemoration of 60 years of service of St. Paul's Church published in 1947 includes the history of the church until then, some interesting facts found in the record books, a story of the organized activities, and photographs.
The 75 pages of the "Centennial History of Saint Paul's Church Laramie, Wyoming 1886-1986" is the most extensive writings of our church history. It includes the history of Laramie and the church, celebrations of the church during this time, details of properties, women and youth of the church, and letters from former members and reverends.
The "One Hundred Years in St. Paul's (1890-1990)" booklet is an addition to the 100th Anniversary Book compiled in 1986. In its 22 pages, this booklet focuses on the historical highlights of the building beginning with the laying of the cornerstone in 1890 and includes personal narratives from those who remembers throughout the years.
This 32 page booklet is a historical record of those who have taken upon themselves the promises that entitle them to full membership in the Church of Christ. It provides a limited pictorial record of of confirmands from 1886 through 1990 and the directory of individuals as listed by class.
"Celebrating 130 Years: Church steeple rising to the Laramie sky since 1890" was published with 25 pages in 2020. It includes letters from reverends and members of the church, the different names of the church over the years, a historic timeline, list of pastors, interesting tidbits of information, and pictures of the church and renovations.
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130 year celebration of St. Paul's, 7/17/2016