Malden City Council congratulates St. Paul’s Church on its 110th Anniversary

Historic church is one of the few listed in region on National Register of Historic Places

By Steve Freker

One of Malden’s oldest, most historic and well-known churches turned 110 years “young” this year. St. Paul’s Church of Malden, an Episcopal church located at 26 Washington St. and Florence Street, was built in 1913. It replaced an original building that has since served as the parish house that was built in 1871. A rapid growth in the congregation prompted the need for a larger church, leading to the construction of the present building. Through the diligent efforts of the Malden Historical Commission, St. Paul’s Church was designated for addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Malden City Council at a recent meeting formally congratulated St. Paul’s Church on its 110th year. On November 19, a church service and festival were held at the church. The following resolve was offered by Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley – who represents the ward where the church is located – in noting the church is one of the few places in Malden included in the National Register of Historic Places. The City Council unanimously approved the resolution, which was written by Councillor O’Malley and reads as follows:

“Whereas, St. Paul’s Church, Malden, of The Episcopal Church (Diocese of Massachusetts) occupies an important place in Malden, both physically and socially;

“Whereas, the church building, situated at the corner of Washington and Florence Streets in the center of Downtown Malden, is on the National Register of Historic Places and Spaces for both its exterior and interior design;

“Whereas, the church has extended and now extends hospitality to many organizations in Malden, including Bread of Life (where that organization was founded), local musicians and artists, the Girl Scouts, and many Twelve Step groups;

“Whereas, the architect of the church, Ralph Adams Cram, is known as the architect of many important churches and educational institutions, include the West Point Military Academy, The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine (NYC), and buildings at schools such as Princeton, Williams, and Notre Dame;

“Whereas, St. Paul’s Church was consecrated as a place of worship on November 16th, 1913;

“Whereas, St. Paul’s Parish will celebrate the 110th anniversary of its consecration on Sunday, November 19th, 2023, with a Festival Morning Service at 10 AM and a free talk and reception at 2 PM from Ethan Anthony, an expert on Cram and current Principal at Cram & Ferguson, Architects;

“Therefore, be it hereby resolved that it is the sense of the Malden City Council that the City of Malden congratulates St. Paul’s Parish on the 110th anniversary of the consecration of their historic church.”