St. Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church New Haven was organized in January 1847 by Lay Elder John Williams. Originally located at 47 Webster Street.  The church was initially called the “Ecclesiastical Society”. In 1852, Lay Elder William Walker changed the name of the church from the Ecclesiastical Society to African Union Church and moved the church location from 47 Webster Street to 69 Webster Street.  However, the deed was erroneously recorded as 65 Webster Street instead of 69 Webster Street.  In 1860 an addition was added to 69 Webster Street and on December 8, 1922 St. Paul Union American Methodist Episcopal Church became incorporated. 

 In late 1938, New Haven launched its first housing project, Elm Haven.  St. Paul was in the middle of the project planning. So one night in 1938, traffic was suspended, electric and telephone lines overhead were removed, and the building was advanced by winch and cable on massive log rollers, as the crowd that gathered watched, prayed, and sang “Tis the Old Ship of Zion”.  St. Paul was moved from 69 Webster Street across Dixwell Avenue to 94 Webster Street this was indeed an historic event for St. Paul.  After being completely renovated, on Sunday, May 12, 1940, under the pastorate of the late Rev. James E. Henry, the new St. Paul Church edifice was rededicated.

In 1956, the Reverend Dr. David E. Hackett was assigned to St. Paul.  Under his leadership, the church continued to progress and grow.  Parish property was greatly improved, a financial reserve was maintained, and community services were extended as God’s many blessings were bestowed.  The 1970 General Conference of the U.A.M.E. Church elevated Dr. Hackett to the Bishopric, recognizing the fruits of Christian dedication.  

In 1971, the Reverend Dr. Clyde J. “BoBo” Bowman was assigned to St. Paul. Rev. Bowman developed an extensive community centered ministry at St. Paul, which was utilized to aid senior citizens, the neighborhood, youth and children, Narcotic Anatomist (NA) meetings, New Haven BOE  classes, recreational and other areas as needed or requested.  Rev. Bowman served as a chaplain for the New Haven Police Department; and President of UAME Conference Boulden Seminary in Wilmington Del.   In 1975, St. Paul purchased its present edifice located at 1267 Chapel Street on the corner of Chapel and Dwight Streets.

Under Rev. Dr. Bowman’s leadership, a number of ministers grew out of St. Paul nurturing.  They are Rev. Dr. Emma Cables, Rev. Clarence Scott, Rev. Timothy Howard, Rev. Jeffrey Mills, Rev. Maurice Sykes, Rev. Edward Marks, Rev. Sallie Lowry, Exhorter Caroline Steward, Rev. Galen Priestley, and the late Exhorter Samuel Byrd.

The Rev. Dr. Elmer Brown, Jr. was assigned to the pastorate of St. Paul.  During his tenure, the church membership saw the elevation of the following ministers:  Rev. Joseph Bash, Rev. Rose Brockenberry, Rev. Robert Lampkin, Rev. Grady Kirkland, and Exhorter Sy’Brenia Robinson.  Also during Dr. Brown’s tenure, the church held a “Mortgage Burning Service” on January 27, 1991.

At the 45th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the U.A.M.E. On Sunday, May 28, 1995), Bishop Moulden assigned Rev. Charles C. Davis to the pastorate of St. Paul U.A.M.E. Church, New Haven. While Rev. Davis showed great promise his pasturage ended on a less then desirable note.

Rev. Joseph Bash, a lifelong member of St. Paul was appointed Interim Pastor on June 28, 1998 and in October of the same year, was appointed Pastor of St. Paul by Bishop Michael S. Moulden. Rev. Bash is known for his evangelistic spirit, sense of humor, reaching out to the churched and unchurched, and visiting the sick and convalescent. He welcomed the families of victims of street violence by opening the doors of the church for funerals and provided grief counseling.  Rev. Bash served as a chaplain at Yale and St. Raphael’s Hospital. Under Rev. Bash’s leadership the following ministers have become ministers, in the UAME Conference: Rev. Cheri Flegler, Rev. Roger Bacote, Rev. Rochelle Bacote, Rev. Westin Robinson, Rev. Stephen Randall, Rev. Kay Randall and the Rev. Dr. Asa Cort. Rev. Bash retired as Pastor May of 2022 after 24 years of faithful service.

At the May 2022 Annual Conference of the UAME Church Rev. Stephen Randall was appointed Pastor and Rev. Kay Randall Co-Pastor of ST. Paul UAME Church New Haven. Additionally, Rev. Westin Robinson and Rev. Asa Cort have also been reassigned as QCA (quarterly conference assignees).