A member congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in downtown Royal Oak — grounded in the Word of God, serving since 1873.
Our Story in Numbers
Approximately 3,060 baptisms~3,060BaptismsLives welcomed in Christ
Approximately 2,295 confirmations~2,295ConfirmationsFaith publicly confessed
About 200 weekly worshipers~200Weekly WorshipersGathering each week
19 pastors have shepherded St. Paul19PastorsShepherding our flock
1Community
Baptism, confirmation, and attendance figures are estimates.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where individuals are treated like family, encouraged to grow in their walk with Christ, and empowered to serve others. We actively engage with our community, sharing the love and teachings of Jesus to help non-believers experience His grace and truth.
Welcome
We create a welcoming environment where individuals are treated like family and embraced just as they are.
Grow
We encourage every person to grow in their walk with Christ through worship, the Sacraments, and the study of God’s Word.
Serve
We empower our members to serve others — reaching beyond the church walls with Christ’s love in action.
Engage
We actively engage our community, sharing the love and teachings of Jesus so non-believers can experience His grace and truth.
Our Vision
To be a loving, Christ-centered family where everyone is embraced, supported, and inspired to grow in faith, while reaching out to our community with the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.
One church-and-school family.St. Paul operates a Christ-centered day school alongside the congregation, with tuition-free Preschool and Kindergarten and education through 8th grade.Explore St. Paul School →
Worship
Sundays at 9:30 AM — the Divine Service: organ, beloved hymns, liturgy, and Scripture, usually with a contemporary song or two. Depending on the Sunday and season, one or more groups may help lead our music, including the Praise Team, Chancel Choir, Junior Chancel Choir, Whole School Choir, handbell choirs, school band, and other instrumentalists. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the first and third Sundays (and at every combined service). One service during our pastoral transition; two return once a pastor is called. All are welcome.
St. Paul is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Our beliefs are firmly grounded in the Word of God, summarized in three phrases:
Grace Alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to save the ungodly. We have done nothing to earn His love and forgiveness.
Faith Alone
By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus won forgiveness and eternal life. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life it offers.
Scripture Alone
The Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, revealing His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. More on the LCMS →
Our History
1873
A Lutheran orphanage begins
On March 31, St. Paul began as a Lutheran orphanage at University Avenue and Main Street, with the Reverend George Speckhard as superintendent, pastor, and instructor for deaf children. Oakland County recognizes St. Paul as its first Lutheran church.
1875
The congregation takes root
The orphanage and school moved to Detroit while the congregation remained in Royal Oak, worshiping in a former Baptist church.
1886
A home of our own
The congregation bought the current property and built a wooden chapel — members felling the logs themselves and hauling them to a sawmill in Clawson.
1916
The day school is founded
St. Paul’s day school opened with eleven students — the beginning of a century of Christian education.
1917–1918
A brick church rises
The cornerstone was laid August 17, 1917. At the 1918 dedication, most services were held in German and seating and Holy Communion were separated by gender. Once the tallest building in Royal Oak, from its belfry you could see the Ambassador Bridge, Belle Isle, and the Seven Sisters smokestacks.
1973
"An ancient ark"
The present church, dedicated January 22, was designed to resemble “an ancient ark plowing through water.”
St. Paul is prayerfully seeking the pastor God is calling to serve our congregation next. During this time, worship, ministry, and care continue through our staff, leadership, and guest pastors. Please keep our church and call process in your prayers.
Greg Paul
Minister of Music
A graduate of Concordia University, Seward (B.S. in church music) with a Master's in Organ Performance from Wayne State, Mr. Paul plays the organ for worship, directs the choirs and ensembles, and teaches in the middle school.
