File:St. Pauls Church Plaque (3436466951).jpg

The later 19th century witnessed great growth in the parish. The rectorship of the Reverend Dr James Buck, beginning in 1852, and the longest in the history of the parish, was a time when much was done to extend the work of the parish and the diocese. By the time the diocese of Washington was formed in 1896, St Paul’s was one of its major parishes.

The church building has suffered from fire damage several times in its long history. The most severe fire was in 1921. A major restoration took place within the 18th century walls, resulting in the present fine building, with its famed acoustics for music. The present stained glass windows, depicting the history of the Episcopal Church in America, were installed in the years following the restoration.

Today, St Paul’s continues to be a vital presence in the local community, as well as in the wider community of the capital city. In 2002 the parish celebrated its 290th anniversary, and initiated a number of major developments which will lead it up to the 300th anniversary in 2012, and which will equip the parish for a further period of expansion and renewed outreach.

A major restoration and refurbishment of the historic church began in February, 2004 and was completed at the end of the year. This includes the provision of a fine marble floor, as well as new altar and chancel furnishings designed to harmonize with the eighteenth century period style of the building. The design team included Terry Byrd Eason, liturgical design work; Atelier Architects; Clayton Acoustics group; Dobson Pipe Organ builders.

In 2008 the slate roof was replaced on the church and major repairs were made to the Bell Tower, the stained glass windows and the interior walls. All done to insure the buildings preservation for the 21st century.