The German-speaking parish was formed in the winter of 1847–1848 to serve the members of St. Mary's Church who lived east of Clay Street.

[citation needed] Under the leadership of Vicar-General Joseph Ferneding, the members bought the present site and surrounding properties in February 1848; their design was finalized four months later, and construction was financed by the sale of the land now comprising the surrounding neighborhood.

[3] A fire in 1899 destroyed all but the church walls and German-made stained glass windows, but reconstruction began at once, and the new St. Paul's was dedicated on October 7, 1900.

This brick Romanesque structure has broad Doric pilasters set in its corners and between its tall, round arched windows.

It has a Renaissance tower capped with a Pope's Mitre cupola roof and gilded cross.