The History of St. Paul Inside the Walls
1912
Adolph DuBarry's mansion (Bellwood) was completely destroyed by fire. Described as the most costly blaze in the history of Madison at a loss $300,000.00.
1920
Leland H. Ross builds a red brick mansion on the foundation of Bellwood and surrounds the property by a four foot high wall made of rare pudding stone.
1930
Walker family purchases the
mansion from Leland H Ross.1943
Miss Margaret Hawes and Miss Susan Hawes bequeathed $100,000 toward the purchase of a new school building to be named in honor of Msgr. Ellard. The Walker Estate was purchased by the Diocese of Paterson and named Bayley-Ellard High School.
1967
Bishops Hall, a classroom-gymnasium complex, was added to the campus, and a new sports complex consisting of football, soccer-lacrosse, baseball, and softball fields was completed later.
2005
Bayley-Ellard High School honors it last graduating class of 57 graduates.
2008
Bishop Serratelli charges Fr. Geno Sylva, who has returned from Rome, where he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology, with creating the first center for Evangelization in the United States on the campus of the former Bayley-Ellard High School.
2008
Fr. Geno assembles the initial core team to begin planning efforts. Ginger Kamenitzer begins to plan the program offering and Dennis Rodano manages the renovation effort of the mansion as the project manager.
Young Adult program begins with over 100 young adults.
Fr. Geno and Tim Potter (Diocesan Development Director) begin raising funds for the renovation of the Mansion.2009
Companions of St. Paul, Servant Brothers of St. Paul and Grand-parenting programs begin while renovation is underway.
2010
September 19th - Bishop Serratelli consecrates the altar in the chapel and blesses St. Paul Inside the Walls during the dedication ceremonies before a crowd of 1,000 guests.
The renovated Mansion, funded entirely through pledges and gift-in-kind services, contains:
• A chapel which seats 125 for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and private devotion
• An elevator and new walkways to be ADA compliant
• A prayer garden for reflection and meditation
• Two large state of the art conference rooms for workshops, lectures or meetings
• Four meeting rooms
• Theology library and resource center
• Ministry center for young adults (ages 23-39)
• State of the art "Green" HVAC2010
During the 2010-2011 year over 40 Outreach and Training programs are offered drawing 700 participants per week.
In March of 2011, Professor Robert George & Professor Cornel West lead a discussion / debate on The Nature and Basis of Human Dignity before a crowd of 500 people.2011
During the 2011-2012 year over 80 Outreach and Training programs are offered drawing 900 participants per week.
In September 2011, 66 Candidates begin the first year of a three year Certificate in Catholic Evangelization program with courses in:
Gospel Parables as a Model of Evangelization - taught by Bishop Serratelli
The Theological Foundations of Evangelization and the Characteristics of Authentic Evangelization - taught by Fr. Geno Sylva
Saints: Intercessors and Models of Evangelization - taught by Diane Traflet
Saint Paul: Stirring into Flame the Fire of Evangelization - taught by Allan Wright
In October 2011, 600 people come to hear Fr. Vincent Lampert, a Vatican-trained Exorcist, discuss the presence of Evil and the mysteries surrounding Exorcisms and the fight against Satan.
In November 2011, 500 people attend the Forum on Marriage: Why is gay marriage a question? With moderator, Fr. James Martin, SJ and a panel comprised of Prof. Robert George, Prof. Helen Alvare and Sherif Grigis. The panel explored the following questions:
What does the Catholic Church teach about marriage?
What are alternative views to the Church's teaching on marriage?
Why does the Catholic Church oppose same-sex marriage?2012
In February of 2102 The lawyers' group of St Paul Inside the Walls hosted a mock trial an Eternity in the making, John Paul Holley v. Faith Knot. A Mock Trial that Turns on the Existence of God, where lawyers can Learn Trial Techniques from the Masters for 2.5 CLE credits.
Trial Participants include:
Hon. Madeline Cox Arleo - Magistrate Judge U.S. District Court for the District of N.J.
Michael Critchley - Critchley,
Kinum & Vazquez, LLC
Thomas Scrivo - McElroy, Deutsch,
Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP
Kathleen Murphy - Connell Foley, LLP
Timothy Donohue - Arleo,
Donohue & Biancamano, LLC
Prof. John Lenz, Ph.D. - Chair of the Department of Classics, Drew University
Sherif Girgis - Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University and J.D. candidate at Yale Law School