The St. Paul 2001 expansion effort was kicked off in January 1998 with a 4 month program that included visits to all members, a 24 hour prayer vigil and a Congregation commitment dinner held in April 1998. At that time over $900,000 was committed for fulfillment over a three year period by over 160 individuals and families. Coinciding with this event the congregation was blessed with several financial bequests from faithful members and generous neighbors of St. Paul that began enthusiasm for moving forward immediately.

During the Fall of 1998 St. Paul commissioned Vincentsen Associates Architects from Westfield to do an in-depth study of the activities and uses of our current facility to help us understand what we lack and needs that could be met with increased space. Vincentsen developed a comprehensive conceptual building plan to meet these needs and the total plan was approved by the congregation in June 1999. 

Key elements to be addressed by the plan are; increased Narthex/Lobby space for fellowship before and after worship, adult education area for Bible studies and meetings; more classrooms to be used by all of the education programs with a focus on both Sunday and weekday education; and Sanctuary expansion to meet the changing worship requirements. The capstone of the plan is a large multi-purpose "Family Life Center" that can be used for Worship, large group gatherings and recreation. This facility will also include a new kitchen for large and small events. The entire plan also includes increased parking, reorganization of the business offices, new restrooms and improved handicapped access to the entire facility.

Application was made to the Raritan Township planning board in December 1999 and approval was given on May 9, 2000. The plan will improve visibility of the Church from Hwy 31 and enhance our prominent location to welcome visitors as they enter the business district of Raritan Township and Flemington.  Worthington Associates of Tullyton, PA has been selected as the building contractor.