Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Ohio. Located at 623 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay Ohio, Saint Paul’s prides themselves on accepting members of all faith. Today it serves as a house of worship, a historical site, and a prominent member of the Put-in-Bay island community. 

The church was founded in 1864, and the physical building was completed a year later in 1865. This is actually earlier than Put-in-Bay’s incorporation making it one of Put-in-Bay’s oldest island attractions. 

Saint Paul’s holds services year-round. In the off-season and winter months, services are held at 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. However, during the season, when Put-in-Bay hosts hundreds of thousands of summer visitors, Saint Paul’s adds an additional service at 7:45 AM on Sundays, so that more people are able to attend. Saint Paul’s offers marriage ceremonies and vow renewals. They also perform the sacraments of communion and confirmation, as well as baptisms.

Close to downtown Put-In-Bay chances are you’ll already be passing the church at some point on your Bay vacation. The beauty of this historical building is hard to miss.  

History of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church

If you are interested in learning more about the rich history of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, you can take a tour during the week. There are self-guided tours from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. If you’d like a guided tour, call ahead to book a time, they are also available during the same hours as self-guided tours.

Back in the 1800s, Jay Cooke, a financier whose bank helped fund the Union’s Civil War efforts, purchased the land upon which Saint Paul’s stands. It was purchased for the purpose of constructing an Episcopal church on the Lake Erie Islands. One of the attendees of the first service at Saint Paul’s was Salmon P. Chase. Chase was the Chief Justice of the United States at the time. He also served as Secretary of the Treasury, United States Senator, and Governor of Ohio. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Saint Paul’s is a very historic place!

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church is very hopeful to have the opportunity to have you join them as a guest at one of their services. You won’t have to worry about missing church during your weekend getaway. Members of all faiths are welcome at Saint Paul’s. If you have any questions, please reach out, they would be ecstatic to answer them.

Other Put-in-Bay activities

Also called the Key West of the North, Put-in-Bay is the only vacation destination with plenty of Put-in-Bay attractions and upcoming events. The nightlife is not the only fun to be had on South Bass Island. Whether you arrive on the island via Put-in-Bay ferry, like the Miller Ferry or Jet Express, Put-in-Bay airport, or even Jet Ski you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time while you’re here. During your next trip down take a Put-in-Bay taxi or Put-in-Bay golf cart rental to the South Bass Island Lighthouse, The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, The Boardwalk, or the lakeside South Bass Island State Park. 

One must-see on the island is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. This monument is one of the most important sights to see on the island! Right near Derivera Park, the monument is named after Oliver Hazard Perry during the war of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. They often also have live reenactments right in the grass outside of the monument. One of the best Put-in-Bay family-friendly activities on the island is Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center. Choose from a variety of kid-friendly activities at the Family Fun Center like mini-golf, gem mining, the Butterfly House, a rock climbing wall and more! Boaters usually come down to fish for some fresh Lake Erie Walleye. Stay for one of our Put-in-Bay events like Pyrate weekend or Jeep Fest. Play a couple holes at the golf course, kayak the Bay, or check out a couple of our great Put-in-Bay restaurants. We host many bachelorette parties and bachelor parties all season long also.

Whether you’re coming from Cleveland, Detroit, Sandusky, Toledo, or farther we have great Put-in-Bay lodging and vacation rentals. Choose from Put-in-Bay condos, waterfront condos, Island Club rental homes, bay lodging resorts and  put-in-bay hotels. 

Put-in-Bay is a great way to experience one of our Great Lakes and all of the fun places Ohio has to offer nearby like Cedar Point, Kelleys Island, and Middle Bass Island. Check out Put-in-Bay Island Guide on Facebook and come visit Put-in-Bay today!