Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church
A historic Gothic Revival church in Baltimore, offering a glimpse into centuries of local history and a welcoming spiritual haven.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Gothic Revival church in Baltimore, offering a glimpse into centuries of local history and a welcoming spiritual haven.
"Gorgeous church with an amazing pipe organ. My school has a partnership with this church and I performed there at an event my school held."
Check Service Schedule
Avoid disrupting services. Check the church website for times and events before your visit. :calendar:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this active place of worship. :dress:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the enduring beauty of this centuries-old structure, a testament to historical craftsmanship.
Peaceful Graveyard
Church Grounds
Wander through the serene graveyard, featuring impressive old carvings and a sense of timeless history.
Stunning Pipe Organ
Sanctuary
Experience the grandeur of a magnificent pipe organ, often described as amazing by visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Service Schedule
Avoid disrupting services. Check the church website for times and events before your visit. :calendar:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this active place of worship. :dress:
Explore the Graveyard
Don't miss the historic gravestones with impressive carvings. :camerawithflash:
Appreciate the Organ
If possible, try to hear the amazing pipe organ. :musical_score:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Service Schedule
Avoid disrupting services. Check the church website for times and events before your visit. :calendar:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this active place of worship. :dress:
Explore the Graveyard
Don't miss the historic gravestones with impressive carvings. :camerawithflash:
Appreciate the Organ
If possible, try to hear the amazing pipe organ. :musical_score:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors frequently praise Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church for its welcoming congregation, beautiful historic architecture, and impressive pipe organ. However, some recent visitors have reported feeling unwelcome, contradicting the church's stated mission of inclusivity.
"Wonderful old historic church in downtown baltimore with a welcoming congregation."
Frederick Bradbury V
"If I could rate it zero stars it would not express my experience here. Perhaps negative stars would give my experience ore relevance. They CLAIM to welcome all. They even display a large lgbtq+ flag out front. My experience was everything unwelcome. Very clanish and does not want new congregants to attend."
Michael Fischer
"Welcoming friendly congregation. Good liturgy. Thoughtful preaching."
Clarke Prescott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located in downtown Baltimore. Public transportation options are available, and parking may be limited in the immediate vicinity. It's recommended to check local transit routes or consider ride-sharing services for convenient access.
Parking can be challenging in downtown Baltimore. While some street parking might be available, it's often metered and time-limited. Nearby parking garages are a more reliable option for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church is an active place of worship, and general entry for visitors is typically free. However, donations are always appreciated to help with the upkeep of this historic building.
Visiting hours can vary as it is a functioning church. It's best to check the official church website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on when the church is open to visitors outside of service times.
Yes, Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church welcomes visitors to attend their regular services. You can find their service schedule on their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can admire the historic architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the impressive pipe organ. The sanctuary offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's important to be respectful and avoid flash photography during services. Always check for any posted signage regarding photography restrictions.
The graveyard is one of the oldest in Baltimore and contains many historic gravestones with intricate carvings, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Old St. Paul's Episcopal Church itself does not typically offer dining facilities. However, being located in downtown Baltimore, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area to explore for meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially the facade and any unique details, makes for great photos. The graveyard with its old headstones also offers a unique photographic opportunity.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around places of worship due to privacy and safety regulations. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, explain that it's a place of worship and to use their 'inside voices.' Keep the visit relatively short to maintain their attention, focusing on the most visually interesting aspects like the architecture and the organ. Consider visiting during a time when services are not in session to allow for more freedom of movement and exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs
Researching the church's history beforehand can enhance your visit. Look into notable figures buried there or significant events the church has witnessed. The Gothic Revival architecture itself is a subject of study, showcasing the design principles and craftsmanship of the 19th century.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Attending a regular service can offer a deeper experience of the church's community and its spiritual life. The good liturgy and the presence of an amazing pipe organ contribute to a profound worship experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the churchyard itself is a historical treasure trove. It contains the graves of many notable figures from Baltimore's past, with headstones dating back centuries. Wandering through this serene space offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city's heritage and reflect on the lives of those who came before. The impressive carvings on some of the older stones are particularly noteworthy.
For those interested in the oldest episcopal church in Massachusetts, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newburyport holds that distinction, founded in 1711. While distinct from the Baltimore location, it highlights the enduring legacy of Episcopal churches in the region.
Similarly, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Marion Station, Maryland, also has deep historical roots, founded in the mid-1600s and undergoing recent restoration. These historical parallels underscore the deep historical tapestry of these sacred sites.Architectural Marvels and Musical Majesty
Adding to the sensory experience is the church's magnificent pipe organ. Often described as 'amazing' by visitors, this instrument contributes significantly to the church's atmosphere, particularly during services or special performances. The powerful sound of a well-played pipe organ can be a truly moving experience, resonating through the historic sanctuary.
While the church itself is a historical landmark, it's worth noting other significant 'old cathedrals' in the region. For instance, St. Patrick's Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street in New York City holds the title of NYC's first cathedral and was completed in 1815.
These comparisons highlight the diverse historical narratives of religious architecture across different cities.
Social
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