The Historic St. Paul Community Church is the heart of the Sugarland Forest Community established by freed slaves after emancipation. Patriarchs William Taylor, Patrick Hebron Jr. and John H. Diggs as trustees, purchased this parcel of land from George W. Dawson, a former white slave owner, on October 6, 1871 for the sum of $25.00. The deed specified the land to be used for religious worship, a school and burial site for people of African descent.

The original church, The Sugarland Forest Methodist Episcopal, was rebuilt as a community hall in 1930. Other earlier names were Curtisville M.E. (1880) and Taylor’s Chapel (1890).

Original pulpit for St. Paul Community Church.

Family and Friends Day and Church Renovation Dedication Ceremony October 9, 2005

Pictures from Family and Friends Day and Church Renovation Dedication Ceremony October 9, 2005

Pitures from Family and Friends Day and Church Renovation Dedication Ceremony October 9, 2005

This edifice was built in 1893 by W. Scott Beall. The rear renovations began in the summer of 2005. Today we come together to thank God for it and ask that he continue to bless St. Paul. This building stands as a testimony and tribute to our heritage and the founding families of the community, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Original Church Building