St. Paul's Episcopal Church traces its origins to 1701-1702, when the first vestry meeting established the future parish and the first church in the new colony, completed in 1702 as the first church in North Carolina. Three Carolina governors are buried there, and members of its congregation included Joseph Hewes, signer of the Declaration of Independence; Dr. Hugh Williamson, signer of the U.S. Constitution; and James Iredell, described as Washington's youngest Supreme Court Justice. A new building was begun in 1736 as a grand structure symbolizing the power of a colonial capital, and although government moved in 1743, the new church held its vestry meeting and opened for services in 1760 while still far from finished, with work continuing slowly through the Revolution. In 1776, before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the vestry signed "The Test," professing that "they are freely represented by persons chosen by themselves." Extensive restoration in 1808-1809 by William Nichols added the steeple. In 1949-1950, the chancel was stripped to its brick walls for restoration, a fire broke out, and because the furnishings and treasures had been removed, the interior was saved and the church was fully restored in 1950. In 2001, a two-year celebration marked the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Paul's Parish and recognition of its establishment as North Carolina's first church.