St Paul's Episcopal Church

In Dowagiac, more than 22 churches represent most denominations. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dowagiac’s oldest public building, was originally built as a Universalist Church in 1859. Its walls still reverberate with the mingled voices of Women’s Rights advocates Victoria Woodhull, Mary Livermore, Susan B. Anthony, and Civil Rights champion Sojourner Truth. The parish of St. Paul’s was originally organized in 1897 as St. Alban’s Mission. Admitted to the diocese in June 1897, the mission was dissolved in 1903. A new mission was accepted into the diocese in 1912 with the name St. Paul’s.

Our parish priest is Father Rick Swanson who came to us from St. Peter's in Morristown, New Jersey. He joined our parish family in March 2006. Father Robert A. Smith was our parish priest from October 1988 to October 1998. Mother Pam Breakey was our priest from April 2000 to May 2003. From May 2003 to March 2006 supply priests served our pastoral needs. We are especially thankful for Father Paul Brisbane who was our principle supply priest. He and his wife Judy became a part of the the St. Paul's family.