Methodism- a presence in Ludlow since 1792 when the Reverend George Pickering preached the first sermon in this community. In 1795, the town became a part of the Tolland Circuit enabling regular visits from itinerant preachers. Services were held in the home of Samuel Frost who gave liberally of his own resources to support the ministers.

In August of 1802, a notable event occurred. This was "An Old Fashioned Quarterly Meeting." A temporary shed was added to Samuel Frost's home to host the large delegation from surrounding towns. even from as far away as East Hartford and Granville. It was a good time of worship and fellowship.

The growth of Methodism in this community over the next 100 years may have sputtered a time or two but it was never dull or stagnant. Early on, the established Congregationalists regarded the up and coming Methodists with suspicion. However, a person named Elijah Hedding who was a new Presiding Elder of the New London District moved to Ludlow. He was so well liked that he was asked to be the town minister whenever his Methodist duties would permit. He was initially threatened with expulsion from the town because he had no visible means of support. However, for a year Elijah Hedding successfully filled the dual role of Methodist elder and - pastor to the Congregationalists!

Having weathered the American Revolution, the epidemic of 1814 and various church conflicts. Methodism grew to the point that by 1827, Ludlow Methodists were ready to build a church on Miller Street. Isaac Jennison, a carpenter and minister, designed the building and supervised its construction. A parsonage was built in 1844 next to the church.

A period of growth continued through a series of revival services that lasted until the Civil War. There was then a drop in membership which was a fact of life in all churches during this period. After the war ended, and up to the turn of the century, the church became sufficiently prosperous to lend out money for mortgages.  A shift in population led to the relocation of the church from Miller Street to its present site on the corner of Hubbard and Sewall Streets. The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and the first service was held on January 7, 1905. Historical records state that the cost of the building was $12,218 and that the land had been donated by the Ludlow Company. With a gift of $400 from Edward T. Fuller and $500 from Otis Sikes and Charles D. Rood, the rest of the debt was paid by the congregation in 1912. The note was burned at a special service in the sanctuary.
The present parsonage was built on a lot adjacent to the church in 1917.

During the century of the 1900's St. Paul's experienced .... Life: Spirituality, Ministry and Renovations. Three times the church received gifts of organs. The latest musical instrument, a Clavinova, the accompanying sound system and CD player were purchased in 2003. This arrangement enabled music for the services to be pre-recorded which was necessary since the church could not afford the cost of a full time musician. We presently have the services of one who plays one Sunday a month and also for special services. A team of music technicians play the CDs and floppy discs according to
plan on the remaining Sundays.

The sanctuary was redecorated in 1939 as was the parsonage. In 1943 or 1944, a new roof was applied. In 1948, the rooms on the lower floor paneled by the Men's Club. In 1953, the kitchen was renovated for $1500 and $400 was given to the trustees by the Women's Society of Christian Service. Altar cloths and Communion lines were replaced regularly, it seemed, and dossals or backdrops have come and gone.

In 1974, the sanctuary was again redecorated with a patterned red velvet wallpaper being applied to the Worship area. While the Reverend Bob Pemberthy oversaw the renovation, no one seems to have taken credit or responsibility for the selection of the wall covering.

A major kitchen renovation was undertaken and completed in 1984 and 1985. Two household electric stoves were replaced by one commercial two oven gas range. A new refrigerator was purchased. A small unused room adjacent to the main kitchen was turned into a viable work area. Pastor John Geer, who was a carpenter and contractor, installed two drop down service doors into the Fellowship Hall which are regularly used during church suppers. A commercial dishwasher and sink were installed and Pastor Geer filled two walls with built in cabinets. John Geer's oversight and hard work produced a kitchen with much improved access and efficiency.
St. Paul's has faithfully observed its 25 year anniversaries regularly since 1942, thus there were celebrations in 1942, 1967 and 1992. Much needed renovations and an addition took the stage again during the last of the 90's. The church was blessed with a new roof at a cost of over $20,000 and the installation of a chair lift going from the narthex to the lower floor. This addition together with the handicapped ramp, which leads from the parking lot to the sanctuary, makes the church accessible to nearly everyone. The debt for both was paid within three years. The parsonage was renovated once again and it is beautiful. Both the parsonage and the church have new heating systems and the parsonage also has a new hot water heater. Good stewardship has been a consistent characteristic of St. Paul's people down through the years. Mission Shares have been paid 100% for 17 years. Outreach to the poor and needy through mission, both far and near, is a well supported ministry. We take care of our church home and our parsonage so the both havens will offer a cheery welcome to all who enter to visit and to worship.

A new capital fund campaign is getting underway as our Trustees plan for upgrades of equipment and further renovations. By the Grace of God and the hard work of generations of St. Paul's people, we have indeed been a presence in Ludlow for over 200 years and here on this corner now for 101 years. That was yesterday. We now look ahead to the work and to the ministries that will be calling us to action tomorrow.

By the Grace of God.