St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Key West

You don't have to be religious to appreciate the sheer beauty of the historic church located at the corner of Duval and Eaton streets in Old Town Key West.

Founded in 1832, this is the oldest continuously operating church in the city and has played an important role in its development. During the Civil War, the building served as a hospital for Union troops and later was also used as a courthouse and a school. Famously destroyed several times by weather calamities, the temple had the first chime of bells in Florida inaugurated in 1891. The current, fourth building on the site was designed by architect William Kerr and completed in 1919.

It features the Gothic Revival style, quite popular at the turn of the 20th century, complete with its typical elements such as pointed arches, buttresses, and a steeply pitched roof. The main entrance is located on the south side of the church and is marked by a Gothic arched doorway with intricately carved stone surrounds. The church's bell tower, which rises above the entrance, is one of the most recognizable features of the building.

Inside, the church has a spacious nave with a high, vaulted ceiling and rows of wooden pews. The stained glass windows, which were created by Tiffany Studios and others, are particularly noteworthy, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and other biblical figures. The church also features a large pipe organ, which was installed in the 1920s and has been restored several times over the years.

Several notable personalities have been associated with this church, including author Ernest Hemingway, who attended services here with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer. Today, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church continues to be an active congregation and hosts a number of outreach programs, including a food pantry and a homeless ministry. It is also a popular venue for concerts and other cultural events.

There is no charge to get in and view the stunning stained glass windows and beautiful wooden beams on the ceiling, or catch one of the marvelous impromptu concerts held during the season on alternate Sunday afternoons. A pamphlet inside relays more about the windows as well as the church's long history.