Generations of Faith at St. Paul’s: Don & Marilyn Wools’ Story

Every parishioner has a story, and every story offers a glimpse into the heart of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In this new series, we're sharing the experiences of the people who call our parish home and the ways God is at work in their lives and in our community.

For nearly 50 years, St. Paul’s has been woven into the life of Don and Marilyn Wools and their family. It has been the place where they worship, serve, celebrate milestones, and watch new generations grow. Two of their daughters were married here, followed by a grandson and granddaughter. Today, their great-grandchildren are among the youngest voices heard on Sunday mornings.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have everybody close by,” Marilyn says. “We could be part of their activities and part of their growing up, and that’s really been a blessing.”

Their journey to St. Paul’s began with a search for a church they could call home together. Marilyn was Catholic and Don was not, and early in their marriage they struggled to find a church that felt right for the whole family. When their children were older, Don proposed a solution over dinner: if he could find a church they could all agree on, they would attend together.

“I went to the library. I called churches and just asked pointed questions,” Don recalls. “There was a parishioner at St. Paul’s who answered the phone, and we had a nice conversation. He talked me into coming that Sunday. He said, ‘I’ll be at the door.’ And he was. And we’ve been here ever since.”

That first welcome became representative of what Don and Marilyn have continued to experience at St. Paul’s through the decades. They have seen the parish through seasons of growth and challenge, but the caring nature of its community has remained constant.

“When people come in to visit St. Paul’s, they’ll say, ‘This was the church that invited me, welcomed me, embraced me. That’s why I’m back,’” Don says. “We’re a very caring parish. We’re not going to let you get out the door without somebody having a conversation with you.”

Over the years, Don has spent much of his time overseeing the church’s buildings and grounds, while Marilyn has served on the Altar Guild for nearly 50 years. Together, they have also watched St. Paul’s deepen its connection to the wider Columbus community through its partnerships with Love Chapel and Schmitt Elementary School, as well as the establishment of the Personal Items Pantry, which provides clothing, toiletries, and other necessities for students in need.

Personal Items Pantry at St. Paul’s

“We are just stewards of this church. We are caretakers,” Don says. “I could not see us ever being someplace else. St. Paul’s ministries and the rituals that we have on Sunday mornings are important to us.”

Don and Marilyn have been part of nearly one-third of St. Paul’s 150-year history, with multiple generations of their family becoming part of that story along the way. As St. Paul’s celebrates this milestone and looks to the future, Don and Marilyn hope the welcome, faith, and commitment they found here will continue long after their own time as its caretakers.

“I hope it’s still here,” Marilyn says. “I hope they have to build on to hold everybody.” Don agrees: “I would hope that the people who are here and who will be here see the importance of it like we do and will do what they can to help it continue and thrive.”

Whether you're searching for a church home or simply curious about St. Paul's, we'd love to welcome you. Learn more about our parish, worship services, and ministries at stpaulscolumbus.org.