St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Laramie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paulus Kirche
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St. Paul's today, as seen from the north. The main structure was built in 1890–91 while the eastern section was added in 1922.
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | 602 Garfield, Laramie, Wyoming |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Berner, George |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004266 |
| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1983 |
St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Laramie is a very old and special church. It was started in 1886 by people who spoke German, making it the first German-speaking church group in Wyoming. The church building itself is quite historic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
A Historic Building
The first stone for the church was placed on July 13, 1890. This was just three days after Wyoming became a state! Many important people attended the ceremony. Clergy from Chicago and local churches were there. Dr. John Wesley Hoyt, who was once the Governor of Wyoming Territory, also gave a speech. He was also the first president of the University of Wyoming.
The church building was finished and opened on January 18, 1891. It is the oldest church building in Laramie that has been used by the same church group ever since it was built. St. Paul's reminds many people of old German churches. This is because of its beautiful stained glass windows and heavy wooden furniture. Its detailed windows and simple Gothic architecture style make it special among churches in Wyoming.
How the Church's Name Changed
The church's name has changed several times over the years. These changes show its history. When it first started, the church group spoke and worshiped in German. Its original name was Deutsche Evangelische Lutherische St. Paulus Gemeinde. The church building was called St. Paulus Kirche.
In 1904, the church group joined the Evangelical Synod of North America. Before that, in 1903, they officially became "St. Pauls German Evangelical Church of Laramie, Wyoming." The original name didn't use an apostrophe in "St. Paul's" because German language doesn't use them.
Later, the Evangelical Synod merged with another church group in 1934. Because of this, St. Pauls changed its name again in 1949. It became "St. Paul's Evangelical and Reformed Church of Laramie, Wyoming."
Then, in 1957, the Evangelical and Reformed Church merged with another group. This created the United Church of Christ. So, in 1963, the church changed its name to St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Since 1974, it has been known by its current name: St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Laramie.
Important Moments
During World War I, St. Paul's was sometimes called "the German church" by local people. Its German-speaking pastor, Rev. O.G. Wichmann, faced some challenges. There were feelings against German people at that time.
The last sermon preached in German at the church was in 1932. Later, in 1976, St. Paul's made history in Laramie. It was the first church in the city to choose an ordained woman to be its pastor.
