St. Paul's was designed by one of the country's most famous architects, Benjamin Latrobe, who also finished designing the U.S. Capitol and White House. St. Paul's was originally founded in 1809 in a small building on South Fairfax Street, but moved into the building designed by Latrobe in 1817. The church has a rich history. In 1862, the church was used as a hospital for Federal forces until spring 1865. Members have been baptized in the Episcopal Church, confirmed Episcopalian or received into the church by the bishop.