Welcome
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.
Rev. Dr. Jaegil Lee is a pastor, spiritual seeker, teacher, and psychotherapist whose life and ministry are rooted in a deep love of God and a deep love for people. He approaches ministry with openness, compassion, empathy, and respect for people of all faith traditions and for those who are still searching for their own spiritual path.
For Jaegil, ministry ultimately comes down to two things: experiencing the presence of God and loving people as beloved children of God.
At the heart of Jaegil’s journey is a lifelong desire to experience and understand the presence of God. His spirituality has been shaped by meditation, contemplative prayer, silence, and a tireless seeking for deeper wisdom and connection with the Sacred. He believes that healing begins when we can meet ourselves and one another with compassion rather than judgment. Above all, he sees ministry as a journey of accompanying one another with humility, curiosity, and love—seeking God while helping others experience that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Jaegil holds a Ph.D. in Spirituality and Meditation from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. For him, spirituality is not simply something to study, but a way of living and experiencing God’s love in everyday life.
His passion for healing and helping people through difficult seasons also led him to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and wellness coach. He serves part-time as a psychotherapist, supporting local people who struggle with emotional and health-related challenges.
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.
