St. Paul Lutheran Church

1123 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

St. Paul Lutheran Church is located at 1123 Washington Street in Lanesville, a historic village within Gloucester, Massachusetts. Situated between granite quarries and Ipswich Bay, this charming church has served the Cape Ann community for over 100 years, with roots deeply connected to the Finnish quarryworkers who settled in the area during the 19th century.

History and Architecture

St. Paul's history is closely intertwined with that of Finnish quarryworkers who came to Lanesville in the 1800s. The first Finnish Lutheran congregation in the area began in Rockport on April 3, 1893, known as the "Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rockport, Pigeon Cove, and Lanesville," with services conducted entirely in Finnish. The original Lanesville Lutheran Church dates to March 1891 and met in a smaller chapel on nearby Norseman Avenue, where a reed-type pump organ provided musical accompaniment.

In 1940, the Lanesville congregation purchased the current church building—a structure with a fascinating history of its own. The building dates from 1876, when it began life as a Universalist church. Between its origins in 1876 and its conversion to St. Paul, the building served various purposes including a gymnasium and community meeting hall. At one point, lightning struck the abandoned building. The church was consecrated as St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1941, marking a new chapter for both the building and the congregation.

For the first decade in their current location (1941-1951), services were still offered in Finnish. Starting in 1951, St. Paul began offering services in both Finnish and English, eventually transitioning to English-language services. Some of the church's eldest members still recall learning Luther's Small Catechism in Finnish, though they themselves were primarily English speakers. Today, St. Paul services the communities of Rockport and Gloucester with a diverse congregation that maintains a continued strong Finnish presence.

Acoustics and Accessibility

The historic 19th-century building, with its traditional church architecture and intimate setting, provides wonderful acoustics for musical performances. The structure's age and thoughtful design create a warm, resonant sound that enhances chamber music concerts and other musical events. Musicians performing in the "Musicians Unleashed" series appreciate the venue's authentic character and the way the space allows music to resonate naturally. Like all of the orchestra's performance venues, St. Paul Lutheran Church is fully handicap accessible, with wheelchair seating and access available to ensure that all members of the community can enjoy the performances held in this historic Lanesville landmark.

Community Significance

St. Paul Lutheran Church stands as a testament to the rich immigrant heritage of Cape Ann, particularly honoring the Finnish quarryworkers whose determination and faith helped build the community of Lanesville. The church continues to welcome all who wish to worship and experience music in this unique and historically significant space.

Driving Directions

Driving Directions from the South to St. Paul Lutheran Church

Destination: 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 (Lanesville section)

From Boston Area (I-95/Route 1 North):

  1. Take I-95 North for approximately 30 miles
  2. Take Exit 14 for Route 133 East toward Essex/Gloucester
  3. Follow Route 133 East for about 8 miles through Essex
  4. Continue straight as Route 133 becomes Western Avenue in Gloucester
  5. Turn left onto Main Street (Route 127)
  6. Follow Main Street north for about 2 miles
  7. Turn right onto Washington Street (Route 127A)
  8. Follow Washington Street north toward Lanesville for approximately 3 miles
  9. St. Paul Lutheran Church will be on your right at 1123 Washington Street

From Route 1 North (Alternative):

  1. Take Route 1 North to Route 128 North
  2. Follow Route 128 North to Exit 9 (Route 133 East)
  3. Follow directions above from Route 133 East

From I-93 North:

  1. Take I-93 North to I-95/Route 128 North
  2. Follow Route 128 North to Exit 9 (Route 133 East toward Essex/Gloucester)
  3. Follow directions above from Route 133 East

From Route 127 North (Coastal Route):

  1. Take Route 127 North through Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Sea
  2. Continue on Route 127 into Gloucester
  3. Follow Route 127 as it becomes Main Street
  4. Turn right onto Washington Street (Route 127A)
  5. Follow Washington Street north toward Lanesville for approximately 3 miles
  6. Church will be on your right at 1123 Washington Street

Key Location Details:

  • Lanesville Section: The church is located in the Lanesville area of Gloucester, which is on the northern part of Cape Ann
  • Washington Street is also designated as Route 127A
  • The church is situated on the road that leads toward the tip of Cape Ann

Notable Features:

  • The church serves the Cape Ann and North Shore communities
  • Meeting location for the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club (second Friday of each month at 8:00 PM)
  • Active congregation with community outreach programs

The church is located on Washington Street as you head north toward the Lanesville area, making it easily accessible from downtown Gloucester. Look for the church building on the right side of Washington Street.

1123 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930