History

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Montrose, was founded in 1831 largely through the efforts of two faithful and committed laypersons: Mr. & Mrs. Joshua W. Raynsford. The Raynsfords persuaded the Rev. Samuel Marks, who was the Rector of both St. Matthew's Church, in what is now Stevensville, and St. Mark's, New Milford, to take on a third charge in Montrose. The dedication and devotion of these laypersons birthed St. Paul's Church and the parish was chartered and a first vestry organized. The parish has been a center or worship and ministry in Montrose for over 175 years.

The first church sanctuary was erected on the Corner of Chestnut and Cedar Streets, but by 1856 the congregation had outgrown the building, and a new building was begun. The parish engaged a well-know ecclesiastical architect, Richard Upjohn, to design a church building that would inspire worship of God, and be a spiritual home for the growing community of faith. This building, as it remains today, is a vivid reflection of the insights into the worship, ministry, outreach, and stewardship of the people of God who have faithfully used the sanctuary throughout the decades.