St Paul's is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United State of America. Both are connected to the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The services are "Catholic" in tradition, liturgy, and sacraments. The church is "Protestant" in the individual's relationship with God which is based on conscience and personal understanding. The Episcopal Church has no required confession of faith. It is an inclusive church of diverse people and opinion. The central act of unity and worship is Holy Communion. The word Episcopal comes from the Greek word Episcopus. It means lead by bishops. St Paul's was consecrated as a parish in 1857 by the Rev. Jackson Kemper, first missionary bishop of the American Episcopal church.

"Turning fear into faith" is the motto for St. Paul's outreach efforts and gargoyles are the messengers. Gargoyles, artistic and architectural features on European churches, were actually downspouts which protected the buildings from water damage. They were often designed as frightful images to ward off evil from the community so people could worship without fear.

The Dove Art Center was founded as a tribute to the Rev. Carl Nau, Rector of St. Paul's from 1921 until 1947. Mr. Nau was an English artist who immigrated to America and was trained as a priest in Kansas. Mr. Nau was principally responsible for the Neo-Gothic design of St. Paul's building including the gargoyles and stained glass windows. The Dove Art Center Academy and Summer Camp honored the legacy of Mr. Nau though are no longer being ran. A Brush With Religion, Mr. Nau's autobiography is published by St. Paul's.

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