Our story

A Sense of Community

Reading the brief resume of our history below one recurring theme to note is the sense of community, the sense of an island 'family', that reoccurs. It is a communal caring, sharing and support that carries us through good times andf difficult times.

Our History

  • 1922 - 1926 - In 1922, through the efforts of a group of Island residents and under the guidance of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Algonac, MI, a mission church was formed on Harsens Island. The first services were held in private homes, the school house and late in the Island’s new community hall. Before long a movement for a local parish began to grow. In June 1925 a building committee was formed and a building site on Orchid Road was selected. On September 18, 1925 a ceremony for the laying of a cornerstone was held. Construction of the new church was soon completed and on July 11, 1926 a dedication service for the new St. Paul’s church was led by Bishop Herman Page.


  • 1926 - 1955 Under the leadership of the Reverend E.L.C. English, rector of St. Andrew’s, the little Island mission of St. Paul’s began to grow then only to be faced with the difficult times of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Sadly, St. Paul’s was forced to close for a year and was abandoned by the diocese. St. Paul’s was reopened by Islanders and in their own way they held services. During World War II St. Paul’s was once again able to continue as a mission of St. Andrew’s. The little church grew and with new rector Reverend Harry B. Whittley celebrated its first 25 years on July 9, 1951. The church family continued to grow and on September 11, 1955 under the direction of Reverend Bert T. White, St. Paul’s was designated a diocesan mission independent of Algonac.


  • 1955 - 1992 During the 1950s and 1960s St. Paul’s continued to serve the Island community. The church was again remodeled with the final addition of beautiful stained-glass windows dedicated on August 11, 1968. On July 9, 1976 St. Paul’s celebrated its 50th anniversary as attendance continued to grow. The Reverend Wilford Holmes-Walker was appointed rector of St. Paul’s in 1978. He was much beloved by the Island for his theology, his dry wit, and his English accent. The planning for a major expansion of St. Paul’s began in 1989. This was to be a major financial undertaking and, in addition to church members, contributions came from many Island friends. As in the past, Harsens Islanders supported their own. The new 3,000 square foot addition was dedicated July 21, 1992 by the Rt. Rev. Irwin Mayson. Sadly, Rev. Walker-Holmes retired shortly after due to failing health.




  • 1992 - PRESENT Following Rev. Holmes-Walker’s retirement, St. Paul’s was fortunate to be served by a succession of very capable supply clergy. Then on July 29, 2001 St. Paul’s celebrated its 75th anniversary led by the newly appointed vicar Buel Eldridge. Rev. Eldredge faithfully served St. Paul’s for the next nine years. He was ordained Deacon in May 2004 and then on November 20, 2004 he was ordained Priest by Bishop Edwin Leidel, Jr. With Rev. Eldridge’s retirement in 2010, St. Paul’s family welcomed the Reverend Rebecca Baird-Lepley as Priest in Charge. “Becky”, as she prefers to be known, was ably assisted by Deacon Sherry Young. Today, under the leadership of Rev. Lepley, St. Paul’s continues to play an important role in the life of the Island. Whether it is a Sunday service, a Fall Fellowship Dinner, one of various outreach programs such as Helping Hands, a special Lenten Supper, or the annual Strawberry Festival in July, St. Paul’s continues to faithfully serve the community of Harsens Island and the St. Clair Flats. eren
A Little Bit About -

Harsens Island

Located at the top of Lake St. Clair at the mouth of the St. Clair River, Harsens Island forms part of the largest freshwater delta in the world. Only an hour’s drive from Detroit, access to the Island is by a short ferry ride from the city of Algonac, MI on the mainland.

The Island was first settled in 1778 by Jacob Harsen, who bought the land from the Chippewa Indians. Originally a farming community, the island became known as a resort community during the latter part of the 19th century when Detroiters came to stay at one of the islland's many clubs or hotels or to visit Tashmoo Park. In those days visitors arrived by passenger steamer. One of the most well known of these was the steamerTashmoo. The first island school was established c. 1818. The Fire Hall, now the island museum was built in 1931. Originally a farming community, the Island became known as a resort community during the latter part of the 19th century when Detroiters came to stay at one of the Island’s many clubs or hotels.

Today, the Island covers about 7,000 acres, most of which is protected wildlife refuge and marshland managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Generations of families have come to the Island over the years, either as summer visitors or full-time residents. Today, Harsens Island has 1,200 full-time residents, though from Memorial Day to Labor Day that number swells to more than 5,000 as the “summer folk” come back to their cottages.

Photos to the right are taken from the detroit Publishing Company photo collection now in the Library of Congress and available online.



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Our Philosophy Our Values
St. Pauls organizational authority is the Epicsopal Church USA. One of the philosophical tenets often quoted in the literature of the church is the saying: "Where all are welcome". As an island church this is particularly important in our understanding and our living out of the Christian Gospel. "Come unto me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28
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