St. Paul's Church
Contributed by Jean Caddel
St. Paul's community, known for its history, is located about half way between Midlothian and Mansfield on Highway 287.
According to Ellis County Deed Records, the land for St. Paul's church was donated by W. S. Fife with the stipulation that it have a Biblical name which resulted in St. Paul. William Gardner donated land for the school and cemetery in 1885 which is just across the road from the church. The school was moved to Midlothian many years ago.
Charter members of the church included Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tipps, Mrs. Sherman Way, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Ellis, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Cox, Mr. and mrs. I. B. Curry and Mr. and Mrs. R. f. Craig.. Others who helped in the organization were Mr. and Mrs. Will Harmon and Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Beard.
Other early settlers in this community were Miller Gainier, J. W. Gainer, Larry Mills, J. O,. Boyce, I,. B. Curry, P. M. Riley, I. L. Rowdon, J. D. Ellis, J. H. Sumpter, W. R. Galloway, T. S. Way, W. J. Tipps, W. J. Gardner, J. A. Arnond, J. C. Welch, F. Gainer, S. E. Miner and N. h. Rhowdon.
According to records in the possession of Harold Davis, charter members of the cemetery association were: J. W. Gainer, chairman, Larry Mills and J. O. Boyce, I. B. Curry, I. M. Riley, I. I. Rowden, J. D. Ellis, HJ. H. Sjumpter and W. R. Galloway. Also T. S. Way, W. J. Tipps, W. J. Gardner, J. A. Arnold, J. C. Welch, F. F. Gainer, S. E. Minor, N. H. Rowden, E. J. Welch, Elizah Massey and Nellie Gainer.
The settlers were responsible for the building of the church under the direction of a carpenter named McElrohy from Midlothian. It was completed in 1894.
Harold Davis, still a resident in the community, was Sunday School superintendent for 25 years and his sister, Mrs. Lorene Beard of Fort Worth, was pianist for many years. Mr. Davis has retained some old records of the cemetery association.
According to minutes Feb. 21, 1906, the committee appointed to lay off the cemetery included J. W. Gainer, W. J. Gardner and J. D. Ellis. The next record of a meeting of the cemetery association was June 14, 1912. J. R. Cox presided and officers elected were: R. P. Darby, president; John Galaway, vice president; W. G. Abernathym treasdurer and E. Wilson secretary. Named as mangers were W. Harmon, J. H. Beard anmd L. Galaway.
Officers elected the next year were T. P. Darbey, president, J. W. Beckum Vice president, E. Wilson secretary and W. G. Abernathy. Named as mangers were J. W. Gainer, W. S. Beckum and Bob Galoway.
In more recent years the St. Paul's Home Demonstration Club has been veryu active in community activities in many ways giving women living in the community an opportunity to learn many new things about home making as well as providing support to many community projects such as the cancer program, drug abuse, driver education, and conservatrion of water.
St. Paul's annual homecoming is always the fourth Sunday in July. After lunch, singing will go on for several hours into the afternoon. This is a way that the memories of the older generation can keep alive "what used to be" for their children, grandchildren and succeeding generations.
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