Curious about a church that began as a summer escape? That’s St. James’ Church. Founded in 1810, St. James’ Church started as a chapel for New Yorkers seeking respite north of the city. Now, it stands at Madison Avenue and 71st Street, a landmark on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
St. James’ Church has grown into one of New York City’s largest Episcopal churches. More than just a place of worship, St. James’ Church offers diverse programs. These programs cater to children, families, youth, and young adults. Its mission extends to community service.
In 2021, St. James’ Church reported impressive numbers. It had 1559 members. The average attendance was 165. Plate and pledge income reached $2749445.
St. James’ Church embraces various worship styles within the Anglican tradition. Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday at four services. Music plays a vital role. The St. James’ Bicentennial Organ was installed in 2008-2009. Schoenstein & Co. Organbuilders of San Francisco built it. The organ boasts 5538 pipes. 4407 pipes are in the chancel organ. 1131 pipes reside in the gallery. The new organ was dedicated in October 2010.
A significant moment arrived in 1996. St. James’ Church called Rev. Brenda G. Husson as rector. She was the first woman to lead such a prominent parish in the diocese. Under Husson’s leadership, St. James’ Church received a large private grant. This established the Partners in Mission program or PIM. The PIM grant supports partnerships. These partnerships include the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi in Africa. They also include three Episcopal parishes in Haiti. Regular work is done with the Osborne Association. This supports children with incarcerated parents in New York.
Husson retired in 2023. She served as rector for 27 years. St. James’ Church participated in the Lilly Endowment’s Transition into Ministry program. This program mentors new clergy. The position of “Lilly Fellow” was created in 2003. It trains new priests in all aspects of parish life.
St. James’ Church celebrated its bicentennial in 2010. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, attended a festive service. It marked the culmination of the bicentennial year on November 14, 2010.
St. James’ Church has a rich history. Samuel Farmer Jarvis served as rector from 1811 to 1819. Many followed including William Richmond and James Cook Richmond. More recent rectors include Arthur Lee Kinsolving and John Bowen Coburn. Brenda G. Husson served until 2023. Zachary Thompson is the current rector.
The church has appeared in popular culture. The 5:00 PM St. James’ Christmas Eve service was broadcast on WOR and WQXR radio. Broadcasts began as early as 1934. They continued annually from the early 1950s through 2000. St. James’ Church was the site of funerals for notable figures. These include John Steinbeck, Edward R. Murrow, and Montgomery Clift. The exterior and interior of St. James’ have been seen in Gossip Girl.
Significant renovations have enhanced St. James’ Church. The original church was completed in 1884. It was renovated in 1923. Recent renovations included replacing the wood floor. A new steel and concrete structure was installed. The 120-year-old pews were refurbished. Tiffany stained glass was relocated. A new glass atrium was added. The bell tower was transformed into a columbarium.
St. James’ Church stands as a testament to faith and community. From its humble beginnings to its present-day prominence, it continues to serve. It shares the love of Jesus Christ with New York City and beyond.