Imagine journeying back to the late 1700s. Catholics near Falls Church had to travel miles to Alexandria or Georgetown for Mass. Today we stand before Saint James Catholic Church. Its history is a testament to faith and community.
In 1873, Bishop James Gibbons established Saint James as a mission. It was a mission of St. Mary’s Parish in Alexandria. For 18 years, Jesuit priests made the journey. They traveled by horse or train every three weeks. They celebrated Mass in a simple white clapboard church. Parishioners built it in 1874. It even had a 66-foot steeple.
Saint James received formal recognition as a parish in 1892. It was the only Catholic Church between Alexandria and Harper’s Ferry. Initially, a priest from St. Mary’s journeyed to celebrate Mass every Sunday. The frame chapel was built about one-half mile from the railroad station. Soon after, Rev. Edward M. Tierney became the first pastor of Saint James.
Under Father Tierney, the parish grew stronger. In 1902, the original stone church was built. It stands at Park Avenue and Spring Street. Things moved quickly. The first elementary parochial school was erected in 1906. The following year, a convent and chapel were built for the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. They came from New Orleans to run the school.
In 1923, the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were called to other duties. The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, then took over. For over 80 years, they ministered to and educated thousands of children.
In June 1931, Father Edward V. Mullarkey became pastor of Saint James. The population was growing rapidly. Father Mullarkey expanded the school. Despite wartime construction problems, two new classrooms were added. More rooms followed. In 1948, a new structure was completed. It housed ten classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, and an auditorium. In 1950, more land was purchased. A new wing was built.
By 1950, Sunday Masses had risen to six. The church was overcrowded and unsafe. The school auditorium was temporarily converted into a chapel on Sundays. Father Mullarkey expanded the original stone church. This was completed in 1952.
Msgr. Paul V. Heller followed as pastor. He held the post for 24 years. He was known for his kindness. Msgr. Heller continued the work of his predecessors. Each pastor brought perspective and vision to the parish of Saint James. Father Patrick Posey, pastor from 2006 to 2019, reinvigorated evangelization efforts. He also supported a diverse faith community.
On June 27, 2019, Father Paul D. Scalia became Saint James’ 12th pastor. The parish continues to evolve.
Saint James is an historic and vibrant parish. It was founded over 125 years ago. In 1892, Saint James was the only Catholic church between Alexandria and Harper’s Ferry. The statue of Saint James greets all who enter the church. It reminds them they are all pilgrims on a journey home to God.
Saint James School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon of Excellence. It received this honor from the U.S. Department of Education in 1999, 2014 and 2020.
The cemetery predates the establishment of Saint James Mission in 1874. Several people were already buried there. Saint James Cemetery has a rich history. It includes priests, sisters, and well-remembered families.
And so, the story of Saint James Catholic Church continues. It is a story of faith, community, and service. It is a beacon of hope in Falls Church.