St James United Methodist Church

The year is 1956. Four young men, fresh out of Candler School of Theology, stand on a patch of land in Atlanta. They have a vision: a new Methodist mission for a burgeoning community. This land, my friends, would soon become the site of St. James United Methodist Church. You see this beautiful building behind me? It wasn’t always here. Those young men, commissioned by Bishop Arthur J. Moore himself, started small. They held their first services in McClatchey Elementary School, gathering a flock of 111 souls eager for spiritual guidance. They called themselves “The McClatchey Methodist Mission”. Within a year, attendance swelled, and St. James United Methodist Church officially came into being. Their first house of worship, completed in 1960, was much humbler than this grand structure. A fellowship hall, a kitchen, some offices, and Sunday school rooms – the essentials to nurture a growing community of faith. But St. James United Methodist Church was always meant for more. Over time, they added a sanctuary, an activity building, and even more space for learning and gathering. The spirit of those four young men never faded. They instilled in this church a dedication to not just worship, but also to action. Music became the lifeblood of their services, their choir renowned throughout the community. And their commitment to outreach, both in Atlanta and across the globe, is a testament to their founding vision. Look for the scallop shells adorning the church. They’re not just pretty decorations. They’re a reminder of St. James, the brother of Jesus. Legend tells of his journey back to Spain, his ship met by a horse miraculously covered in these shells. It’s a symbol of divine protection and guidance, a fitting emblem for St. James United Methodist Church and its unwavering dedication to its community.