Episcopalians gathered in private homes to found a new Healdsburg congregation in 1879. The first purpose-built building of our church was a parish hall built 1900 in the middle of the block on Matheson St. (where our parish hall now stands). This building included a lower storey and was used for worship. This same building was then relocated to the corner, lost its lower storey, and was reoriented to become the current church. The addition of stained glass windows, a small steeple and pews meant that few people today realize that our building wasn’t originally built as a church! Additional buildings include our parish hall and the Vanderhurst, built as the residence of former rector Marvin Bowers and his family and after a period of use as a meeting venue, is once again the parish rectory.

St Paul’s enjoyed a burst of energy under the leadership of Canon Marvin Bowers who involved himself and the church community in many aspects of social outreach. These included the establishment of North County Community Services and the local ecumenical board, Healdsburg Shared Ministries. Fr Marvin also translated his social work amongst migrant workers into the establishment of a weekly Spanish-language worship community. All of these continue to this day.

St Paul’s has faced many of the current issues challenging the Episcopal Church and experienced a loss of some of its members due to concern about the denomination’s national leadership and policies. The parish survived this experience, however, and continues its witness to a ministry based on biblical preaching, traditional worship and community outreach. The parish is proudly traditional in many things, but has an open and welcoming heart.

The most recent rector was Fr Tyler A. Strand, who came to St. Paul's  in 2008. He retired from the clergy in December 2011.  The interim priest is the Rt. Rev. George N. Hunt.