A better church for everyone.We are embarking on a $1.5 million Capital Campaign to continue furthering our mission to serve as a beautiful, historic, and welcoming space on the corner of Olive and Chapel Streets. Together, let's revitalize this cornerstone of the Wooster Square neighborhood!
We are already more than 70% of the way to our goal, and need your help for the rest! Contribute to our campaign by pledging to give in the future, or by donating now. You can donate by sending cash or check to the church, or giving via Paypal, Venmo or credit card through our online portal. |
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A historic church space for a thriving community
The Episcopal Church of St Paul & St James (affectionately known as St. PJs) is a vibrant, diverse community focused on celebrating God’s love for us through Jesus. We come together in worship and prayer, and are sent out to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation and restoration. We have committed to opening our historic Gothic Revival church for community gathering, co-working and neighborhood events, in addition to continuing to support a thriving community in New Haven - socially, culturally, economically, and spiritually.
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A historical cornerstone.Since the building was constructed in 1829, St. PJs has served as a community cornerstone in the historic Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven. To learn more about our history and cultural significance in New Haven, we've compiled some notes about our history for you to read.
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A vibrant community.As a church, St. PJs has always been at the forefront of progress, electing the first women to church leadership in the Diocese of Connecticut, and being an early church to integrate racially. Today, we worship with spirited jazz music, and serve our neighbors with the help of our mission partners, Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe.
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A hub for gathering.Some of New Haven’s most beloved organizations, including the Neighborhood Music School, Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), Sanctuary Kitchen, and New Haven Ballet, got their start within the walls of this church. To carry forward this legacy, we have recently launched the Square at St. PJs Church, as a space for community gathering, coworking, and neighborhood events.
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About Our Upcoming Projects
Preserving our building’s integrity, create a more inviting space, and improve accessibility for all.
Preserve the exterior and create a safer, more energy-efficient building.
Exterior - $490,000
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Repair stained glass windows (replace rotted frames, install protective glass) ($350,000), parish hall windows ($65,000), repair existing roof leaks, walls, gutters, and downspouts ($75,000)
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Church entrance - $75,000
Refresh the entrance to the church, including repairing the sandstone entrance steps and the church doors
Insulation - $75,000
Insulate sanctuary and parish hall ceilings/roofs
Lighting - $20,000
Update sanctuary lighting
Create a more flexible and inviting interior space.
Sanctuary interior - $87,500
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Transform the sanctuary: remove pews, purchase new chairs ($50,000), and install new floor ($37,500)
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Climate systems - $150,000
Install new climate control systems in the church and the parish hall
Undercroft floor - $50,000
Install new floor in undercroft
Guild room - $50,000
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Restore water-damaged Guild Room - replacing windows, carpet, and wallpaper
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Improve accessibility for all.
New gender neutral Bathrooms - $300,000
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Construct new, non-gendered, ADA-compliant bathrooms in hallway and in sanctuary
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Undercroft bathrooms - $100,000
Renovate bathrooms in undercroft for general use
undercroft entrance - $50,000
Update Olive St entrance to undercroft with handicapped accessible ramp and new stairs
Develop a plan for current and ongoing maintenance, restoration, and renovation.
Architectural and other professional fees - $40,000
Engage services of architect and other pre-construction professionals
Building surveys - $12,500
Update building condition report, conduct roof survey