By Catherine Robertson

For more than 270 years, innumerable saints of God have worshipped within the walls of Saint Paul’s Church. Over that time, the church buildings have been damaged and destroyed by war, flood, and fire, but the spirit of Saint Paul’s has stood strong. The congregations have been, and continue to be led to Christ by a multitude of clergy who have dedicated their lives to spreading the Word of the Gospel, ministering to the needs of the people through life’s struggles, and celebrating the joys of fellowship in God.

Also important in the history of Saint Paul’s are the many lay members who have contributed to the mission of spreading Christ’s word, by working tirelessly in service to the church, as well as to the surrounding community. Though there have been thousands of saints who have trod these grounds, here are but a few who have stood out over time.

No child of the ‘50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, at Saint Paul’s Church could possibly forget the early church school education provided by Alva Willingham Sherman. Every Sunday, Mrs. Sherman held “Little Church” for the children while their parents attended services. The children attended “adult church” for the beginning of each service. Before the sermon, during a hymn, the Crucifer led the youngsters up the center aisle, and out of the door leading to the parish hall where Mrs. Sherman held a separate service for them, complete with a small altar, miniature pews, and little acolytes. She played the piano and led the children in song, and told bible stories in an engaging manner. The children listened aptly because Mrs. Sherman put up with few shenanigans! After the little church service, the children broke into separate age-appropriate classrooms to continue learning about God’s love for them. After church “let out,” the parents arrived to claim them. One current member of today’s congregation famously said, “Jesus loves me, this I know, because Alva Sherman told me so!”

Mrs. Sherman was born in Rome, Georgia, in 1895, to Frank J. and Stella Willingham, but spent most of her life in Augusta.  In early adulthood, she was a public-school teacher, until her marriage to Robert Hayes Sherman. The Shermans lived in the Ty Cobb house on William Street for many years, where they reared 3 children. At Saint Paul’s, she began as a Sunday School teacher, but later became the Director of Christian Education, children’s division. She died in 1987, and was buried in Summerville Cemetery

as of 11/02/2022

Offerings pledged this Week $12,981.00

Offerings received this Week $7,159.33

Operating Expenses to Date $734,334.78

Operating Income to Date $824,752.62

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