Written records show that the Church was first organized by the late Reverend Walter Bell and was located on Arcola Road in the Saint Paul Houses. The members remained there for several years singing and praising God’s name.
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On January 16, 1899, the present site was purchased by the following pioneering Deacons and Trustees: Deacons Black Rhone, Deacon Dave Bell, Deacon Archie Berry, Sr., and Deacon Isom Witherspoon. Deacon Walter Bell, Jr. and Brother Felix Caldwell served as witnesses to this new beginning for the Saint Paul Baptist Church.

The following ministers served as pastors from the time the church was organized until 1914, Reverend Albert Collins, Reverend Mike Elbert, Reverend Willie Sharpe, Reverend Douglas Brocks, Reverend Sherman, and Reverend John Jefferies.
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In 1914, Reverend W.M. Hargress was elected pastor. He served several years after which the following ministers served for short periods of time and some remodeling was done: Reverend Geoffrey Ward, Reverend W.H. Williams, and Reverend Kit Rhodes.

In 1924, the church was completely remodeled under the administration of Reverend B.W. Allen. Between 1929 and 1937, the following ministers served as pastors: Reverend Frank Gilbert, Reverend G.W. Callier and Reverend H. P. Richardson. Some of the early Deacons were Deacon Robert Russell, Deacon Dave Craig, and Deacon Fess Russell. Reverend Kenny Benison served from 1938-1942. Service was being held each second and fourth Sunday.

Reverend Charles Calvin Ellis was elected pastor in 1942. Deacon Robert Moore was elected Treasurer and Deacon Gidd Russell was elected Secretary in 1942. In 1958, under Reverend Ellis’ leadership, and the direction of Brother Robert Bell, Chairman of Trustee Board, the structure was completely renovated and bricked with the addition of the Kitchen, Educational Department, Finance and Usher Rooms. In 1967, Reverend Ellis decided it was time to be a full-time church and began to have service every Sunday instead of twice a month. Thus, Saint Paul became the first black church to go full-time. Passion Week Celebration, in the city of Demopolis and surrounding areas, first began at Saint Paul during Reverend Ellis’ reign. Some of the Deacons who served during this time were: Deacon Ed Carter, Chairman, Deacon Robert Moore, Deacon Gidd Russell, Deacon Peter Moody, Deacon Tommy Ash, Deacon Dan Dixon, Deacon Richard Lawson.

In July, 1982, Reverend Jerome C. Wilks was elected pastor. During his leadership the church grew in membership and in finances. Reverend Wilks resigned in July, 1989.          

On the second Sunday in November, 1989, the Lord blessed us and Reverend John H. Kennard was elected as pastor. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and financially. Also, the church’s membership grew.

The church was incorporated in 1992. In the same year, 10.2 acres of land was acquired adjacent to the church, which the members were hoping for a NEW ST. PAUL. In January, 1994 it was placed upon Pastor Kennard’s heart to appoint a Building Fund Committee to build a new sanctuary.

Therefore, several building fund projects were conducted. One significant project included bringing the world renown Mississippi Mass Choir to the City of Demopolis for a concert at the new High School gym.

July 18, 1994 saw the groundbreaking for the long sought NEW ST. PAUL. Flowers Construction, Uniontown, Alabama was elected to build the sanctuary.

Our new sanctuary was completed in March, 1995. The new modern brick sanctuary will seat at least 500 people. The ribbon cutting, dedicatorial and first worship services were held on Sunday, March 26, 1995. There were many souls saved during Pastor Kennard’s tenure. Pastor Kennard resigned in December, 2001 and a Search Committee was formed for a new pastor.

On May 5, 2002, Reverend Charlie W. Moore was elected as Pastor. On Saturday, May 25, 2002, the original structure of the Saint Paul Baptist Church was torn down after engineers said the foundation was not structurally sound for occupancy.

This original structure served as a landmark in the community and has been in existence since 1899. Under the leadership of Pastor Moore, Saint Paul Baptist Church broke ground for the New LIfe Center. Saint Paul Baptist Church forged a partnership with Campers on Mission and Carpenters for Christ to aid in the construction of the new facility. To minimize the cost, the church’s leadership decided to expand the project for a total of five years. In 2010, Pastor Moore resigned and a Search Committee was formed for a new pastor.

In May of 2011, Reverend DeAyrus Smith was elected pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church. Under Smith’s leadership, a Dedicatorial Service for the Life Center was held on January 29, 2014. Today, the Life Center is used for many occasions and/or special events. The church also grew spiritually and financially. During Pastor Smith’s tenure, Saint Paul Baptist Church also hosted its first Lock-In. During this event, healthcare providers, military leaders, law enforcement, school teachers, financial advisors, etc. were invited to attend and facilitate the Lock-In. This event provided several opportunities for church members, visitors, and friends to fellowship and glorify the name of God together! Pastor Smith resigned in November 2020 and a Search Committee was formed for a new pastor.

Pastor James M. Woods Sr. was elected pastor of the Saint Paul Baptist Church in July 2021. Pastor James M. Woods Sr. resigned July 2022.

Today, the church continues to flourish and work diligently to advance the kingdom of God.

Jeffery D. Webb of Tuscaloosa, Alabama was elected pastor in July, 2023.  He preached his first official sermon on the first Sunday in August, 2023,and served until he submitted his resignation on June 11, 2025.

The church is continuing to advance the Kingdom of God.