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St. Paul sanctuary in Davenport, Iowa

St. Paul sanctuary reflects welcoming spirit

A growing place for growing people

Welcome!

St. Paul is deeply committed to an open door spirit, inviting all people into the joy of Christian community. Be part of inspiring worship in the new sanctuary, with hospitality in lovely adjacent spaces and in the congregational bookstore.

The St. Paul congregation is committed to strengthening the central city, to acting with love for the world, and to reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The sanctuary

The doors to St. Paul’s 12,000-square-foot sanctuary opened for the first time in September 2007. With soaring design and seating for 750, this worship space breathes the hospitality that the congregation cherishes.

Eyes naturally drift UP as people walk into the new sanctuary. The space is artfully designed to inspire awe and praise to God. Psalm 121 comes to mind.

Stained glass windows

The stained glass windows, designed originally for the 1952 sanctuary, have been beautifully restored by the craftspeople of Oakbrook-Esser Studios in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

In dazzling color on the south exposure, these windows tell the story of Jesus’ life, from birth to resurrection. The large Ascension window is mounted inside the tall east window.

A booklet about the stained glass windows, written by Harvey Prinz, is available in the St. Paul Book Corner.

Pipe organ

A new 47-rank, 42-stop pipe organ, crafted by M.L. Bigelow and Co. of Utah, is considered one of the finest in the region. This magnificent instrument provides a venue for Quad-City music-lovers.

Craftsmanship

The communion table, pulpit, baptismal font, and large bronze cross are central symbols of a faith grounded in the Word of God. Local artisans have crafted the liturgical furnishings specially designed for the new St. Paul worship center.

The eternal light hangs as a symbol that the Sanctuary is a place where the Lord dwells.

Lift high the cross!

The 34-foot-tall cross atop the new sanctuary stands as a sign of God’s grace to the surrounding neighborhood. Both thoroughly modern and historically classic in design, the cross draws on some features of an orthodox cross. Read about the design.

Chapel

The Chapel, fashioned from the 1952 sanctuary, serves well for small weddings, funerals, and adult learning.

Hospitality spaces

The Gathering Area, just inside the south entrance, is designed in the spirit of a town square — much like the open area commonly found in the heart of a small Iowa town. You’ll find the Book Corner and coffee counter in this area.

Architect & contractor

Architect Paul Barribeau of the Groth Design Group of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, has masterfully blended the Georgian Colonial architecture of the 1952 building with bold new construction.

Estes Construction Company of Davenport served as the general contractor on this project.

Enter here for worship
  • The south entrance (adjacent to the new south parking lot) is the primary worship entrance.
  • North library entrance by the playground on Lombard Street across from Vander Veer Park
  • West education wing entrance, or a new fully accessible walkway that takes you directly into the Gathering Area
Entrances during the week
  • Weekday entrance to the church office: Double doors on the south side of the building, closest to Brady Street
  • Weeknights: South-facing Gathering Area doors and west-facing doors at the end of the long walkway
Parking
  • South: New entrance lot, lots south of High Street, and lots at Madison School along Brady Street
  • West: Small lot along Main Street with ample space for those with disabilities
  • North: Lombard Street
Our mission

St. Paul congregation values heartfelt worship, inspiring learning, genuine servanthood for a hurting world, and a deep sense of home. Our greatest strength is our people — some 3,000 men, women, youth, and children who are of one heart in responding to the love of God in Jesus Christ. Our core values »

Come and worship

Worship in the new St. Paul sanctuary in services each weekend>>

"To pray does not mean to listen to oneself speaking. Prayer involves becoming silent, and being silent, and waiting until God is heard." ~Søren Kierkegaard