ST PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Newport, RI
Welcome to St. Paul's
United Methodist
Faith Community
Our Mission
We are a spirited, compassionate community of faith living in covenant with God and each other through understanding and practicing the teachings of Christ.
We believe we are called to . . .
Welcome
Welcome all, regardless of background, lifestyle or ability celebrating our unity.
Work
Work for justice and peace in the face of inequity and strife.
Accept
Accept others as we find them or as they may become.
Honor
Honor our community's rich historical and Wesleyan traditions.
Serve
Serve our neighborhood, our country, and our world.
Grow
Grow personally in knowledge and love.
Minister
Minister to those in every state of life, binding up the broken and healing the hurt.
Provide
Provide a safe space and quiet center in a troubled, weary world.
Our Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jaegil Lee
St. Paul's United Methodist Church has been joyfully lead by Rev. Dr. Jaegil Lee since 2015.
Jaegil's open-hearted nature and devotion to the radical love of Christ has expanded both church membership and St. Paul's ministry in the Newport community. Attuned to the needs of our community, he has lead St. Paul's in becoming a recovery-oriented church, open to anyone regardless of where they come from or where they are on the journey of their life.
In 2019, he was fully ordained in the Methodist tradition.
Our History
St. Paul's Historic Building
St. Paul's congregation first gathered in 1800 at the then State House, now called the Old Colony House, just up from Charles Street in Washington Square.
As the congregation grew, construction of a church building began in 1806, even before a site was chosen. Adding distinction to St. Paul’s history is the fact it is believed to be the first Methodist Church in the world with a steeple and a bell. Prior Methodist congregations met and worshiped in meeting house style buildings and in homes.
St. Paul’s is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and Landmarks.
In 1987 we were designated United Methodist Historic Site No. 195.
