Why is Saint James Lutheran Church so special? It’s a story of faith, community, and a little bit of architectural salvage.
Almost a century ago, in February 1928, Pastor Carl F Bolle arrived. His mission was to start a congregation. The first services were held in a basement church. It was located at the corner of Cherokee and Annapolis Streets.
Saint James was officially founded on April 28, 1928. It became a congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. It was a daughter congregation of Emanuel Lutheran Church. At the beginning the church had twenty-seven members. A Ladies’ Guild soon followed with eighteen members.
By 1938, Saint James Lutheran Church had grown strong. The church paid off the mortgage. It became self-supporting. The congregation acquired Kasota stone. This stone came from the ruins of the old St Paul Court House. The stone sat on the church property for ten years.
In 1940, a building committee planned a new church building. Construction started in the fall of 1941. In May 1942, the congregation moved. They worshiped at Sibley Junior High School. It is now Heritage Middle School. For fifteen months, services were held there. On August 22, 1943, the new sanctuary of Saint James Lutheran Church was dedicated.
Saint James continued to grow. In 1951, a second service was added. The church expanded in 1953. A parsonage was built. In 1958, Saint Croix Lutheran High School held its first classes at Saint James.
For forty years, Pastor Bolle was the only pastor. In 1968, Iver C Johnson became the second pastor. In 1975, Richard Stadler joined the team.
Throughout its history, Saint James Lutheran Church has been blessed. Talented organists, directors, and musicians have enriched worship. The church organ is world-class. Choirs and other music ensembles contribute to the worship experience.
In 1995, Saint James was suspended from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This disagreement was about the roles of men and women. Since then, Saint James has been an independent Lutheran church.
Saint James Lutheran Church supports Saint Croix Lutheran High School. It supports Christian education. The church is committed to mission work locally and worldwide.
In 1998, an expansion program made the facility accessible. Off-street parking, new classrooms, an elevator, and accessible restrooms were added.
Today, Saint James Lutheran Church stands as a testament. It shows the power of community. The church welcomes all people. Saint James invites everyone to join in its spiritual journey. Sunday services are held at 9:00 AM. Bible classes and Sunday School follow. A contemporary service is held on Monday evenings. Come as you are. All are welcome at Saint James Lutheran Church.