Drawn by its history and community work, we approach Saint James Church of God in Christ. This isn’t just any church. It has a deep history rooted in faith and service.
The story of Saint James Church of God in Christ begins in 1936. A small group of believers gathered and Elder Eugene Robinson became their first pastor. They met in a small brick building. It was located on 15th and Elizabeth Avenue. The church was first known as the North Chicago Junction Church of God in Christ.
In 1938, Elder Robinson departed. Superintendent W. D. C. Williams took over leadership. He sought a pastor to guide the congregation. From 1938 to 1940, ministers came and went. Some left because the church was small. Others found it hard to preach holiness there.
Superintendent Williams taught at the Gospel Workers Institute. One dedicated student was Elder James W. Markham. He was saved and baptized in 1930. He and his wife Sister Jettye Markham worked faithfully in Arkansas. In 1932, God called Elder Markham to ministry.
After moving to Chicago, Elder Markham joined the 40th Street Church of God in Christ. Bishop William Roberts led this church. Bishop Roberts ordained Elder Markham in 1938. In 1940, Superintendent Williams asked Bishop Roberts for Elder Markham’s help.
Elder Markham’s ministry blessed the congregation. They wanted him as their pastor. Bishop Roberts agreed and appointed him pastor. The church was in turmoil and had a $2,000 debt. Pastor James Markham paid off the debt in two years.
God inspired Pastor Markham to rename the church. It became Saint James Temple Church of God in Christ. This honored Bishop B. S. Lyles. He was a spiritual mentor to Pastor Markham. The congregation then improved the church building. They added new facilities.
The church grew spiritually and numerically. Sister Jettye Markham invited children to the Sunshine Band. Pastor James Markham led fasts and prayer meetings. After a forty-day fast, miracles occurred. People were healed and the church flourished. Pastor Markham preached God’s word clearly. Many gave their lives to God.
Many young men were inspired by Saint James Temple. Leaders like Bishop German Ross and Bishop William M. Bonner were touched by this ministry.
In 1945, Pastor James W. Markham became Superintendent. Saint James Temple reached out to the North Chicago community. The church building became too small in the 1950s and 60s. In 1974, the vision for a new church building emerged. In June 1977, the Greater St. James Temple Church of God in Christ was completed. It was located at 2131 Wright Avenue.
In 1990, Mother Jettye Markham passed away. Bishop James Markham paid off the church mortgage in 1991. After 52 years of ministry, he died in 1992. Elder Torrance A. Markham became the new pastor. He is Bishop Markham’s grandson.
Pastor Torrance A. Markham led remodeling projects. He built on his grandfather’s legacy. Many found Jesus Christ through his ministry. The church sponsors missions in Chile, South Africa and the Congo.
In 1997, Greater St. James Temple partnered with PADS. They provided shelter for the homeless. The church also assisted with chemical dependency rehabilitation. They partnered with the Gateway Foundation. A partnership with the YWCA of Lake County followed in 2002.
Pastor Markham organized the Greater St. James Community Development Corporation. It has awarded scholarships to students. The GSJCDC supports the North Chicago Community High School. It also partners with “Make A Child Smile” to distribute toys. The GSJCDC unites with Tabitha Community Services to aid victims of domestic violence.
In 2002, Greater St. James Temple honored Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. He was the International Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ.
Saint James Church of God in Christ stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication to community service. Its history inspires us to make a difference.