St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Celebrates Retirement of Debt

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Old Town is pleased to announce the retirement of its loan debt. The final loan payment was made to Burke & Herbert Bank early this month.

During a previous capital campaign in 2005, St. Paul’s incurred debt to renovate the church’s Wilmer Hall—which houses the St. Paul’s Nursery and Day School, St. Paul’s Explorers Preschool, St. Paul’s Head Start classroom, and parish offices—and atrium enclosure between the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Since these renovations, the church’s annual operating budget required over $111,000 to be allocated to payments toward this debt each year. Thanks to congregational donations totaling $1,000,000 as part of a 2015 capital campaign, that obligation has now been retired. These funds may now be directed toward ministry programs, community outreach, and the St. Paul’s Foundation, which maintains the buildings and grounds of the historic church.

“Today, a 17-year old dream of mine has come to fruition as, for the first time in my tenure, we are debt-free,” said St. Paul’s rector, the Rev. Oran E. Warder. “It is a great moment. It’s because of the generosity of this congregation that we have come to this point, and I am so deeply grateful.”

On Sunday, January 22, St. Paul’s commemorated the debt retirement with a ceremonial liturgy and prayer. The congregation was also joined by E. Hunt Burke, CEO of Burke & Herbert Bank, for the celebration. During the ceremony, John Siegel, current president of the St. Paul’s Foundation, and B.J. Martino, St. Paul’s Senior Warden, shredded a mock mortgage to mark the occasion.

About St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a parish of over 3,000 people, blessed with a beautiful house of worship and a powerful sense of our calling to "shine as a light in the world to the glory of God." For over 200 years, St. Paul's has served the Alexandria community through our services, education, outreach, and Christian fellowship. From our historic roots in Old Town Alexandria to our commitment to moving beyond the familiar and embracing new missions, we worship in the midst of history—but are not its captive. We rejoice in all those who come to St. Paul's for prayer, spiritual growth, and service, whether as visitors, friends, or members.

For more information on St. Paul’s Church, please visit stpaulsalexandria.com.