Historical Account of Our Parish

     St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church was formed October 15, 1944.  The determination of several parishioners who wanted a church home where they could satisfy their thirst for worship and build God's kingdom laid the foundation for our present parish.  It was their relentless pursuit of this vision, which led them to talk to the pastor of St. Raymond's parish at the time, Rev. Edward Casserly.  He sent his assistant, Father William Dodd, to visit the area and minister.   Fr. Dodd and some faithful parishioners met with city officials of the Housing Department to request permission to say Mass in the Reynes Housing Project Hall.  Even though the altar had to be dismantled after each service (the facility was used by other ministers of other religious denominations) the early members of the church were deeply appreciative of God's blessings.  On June 15, 1947, after 3 years of vigilant prayer, hard work and planning by the hopeful, the official seal was given and Archbishop Joseph F. Rummel dedicated the first church.  Despite the tornado of 1947, which partially destroyed the building, and the tornado of 1953, which completely destroyed the church, the founding members still persisted in their quest for a permanent church home.  On June 12, 1954, after raising $125,000, their vision finally became reality when the cornerstone of the present church was laid.  On December 19, 1954, Archbishop Rummel dedicated the completed building to God's service with Fr. Dodd continuing to serve as pastor.  It was not until 1986, because of the declining number of Josephite priests, did the parish get it's first African-American pastor, Fr. Charles Boykins, S. V. D.  Thus began a long and fruitful relationship between the parishioners and The Society of the Divine Word priests. The parish, which started with the desire of several families to serve God and extend His kingdom, has now grown to 650 families and is prospering. The many and varied ministries and organizations of the parish respond to the needs of our parish family, our neighboring community and our international family.  Many pastors, religious and parishioners have worked and continue to work tirelessly to make St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church parish a viable, thriving faith-filled community laboring for God.   The leadership and wisdom of Reverend Bernard K. Assenyoh, S. V. D. Pastor, currently bless the parish.