“Ever wondered how two distinct church histories could merge into one vibrant community?” That is the story of Saint Monica and Saint James Episcopal Church. Let me tell you about Saint James Episcopal Church and its fascinating journey.
Saint James Parish began on May 28 1873. Churchgoers in northeastern Washington DC formed the new parish. The Diocese of Maryland recognized their separation. Saint James became the first Anglo-Catholic congregation in the District. This tradition continues today at Saint Monica and Saint James.
Early services took place in a rented house at 809 H Street NE. The first baptisms were recorded on April 16 1876. Albert Edward Hodges and Ida Maria Low were the first to be baptized.
In 1883 the church acquired the property where Saint Monica and Saint James now stands. The first service at this location was held on All Saints Day eve in 1886. Father James Walters Clark served as rector from 1882 until 1925. Henry Lewis Bryan a vestry member elected in 1881 remained on the vestry until 1933. That’s over half a century of service.
Father Clark greatly impacted Saint James. After his death in 1926 a testimonial described him as devoted. He constantly shepherded his flock. He recited daily matins and evensong and said Mass daily. People remembered his wise counsel and his courage. He never shied away from duty or expressed discouragement. His words were few but his good deeds were many.
Meanwhile Saint Monica was established on December 31 1899. It was the fourth oldest African American parish in the Diocese. Saint Monica’s first services were in a rented house at 601 Second Street SW. By 1910 Saint Monica built a brick church and school. It stood at South Capitol Street and L Street SW.
In 1959 Saint Monica sold its property. This was due to the Southwest urban renewal project. The Redevelopment Land Agency purchased the land. Saint Monica relocated to 1340 Massachusetts Avenue SE.
In 2007 Saint Monica and Saint James merged. In 2014 the church sought a new rector. At that time the merger still had growing pains. Parishioners still identified strongly with either Saint Monica or Saint James. Today the church is united. Most members joined after the merger. They identify strongly as one faith community.
Saint James Episcopal Church possesses several historical items. The Baptismal Font brass lectern and tower bell date back to the late 19th century. The Great Silver Chalice Paten and Censer are also from this period.
Three notable crucifixes adorn the church. Berthold Schmutzhart a local sculptor created the Resurrected Christ on the 8th Street Wall. A German Altar Crucifix from Oberammergau originally stood outside. Schmutzhart also created the Parish Hall Crucifix by commission.
The church also has a historic Steinway Grand Piano. It was made in 1883 or 1884. The parish received it as a “100 Birthday” gift in 1983. The piano lacks the middle sostenuto pedal perfected by Steinway in 1876.
The Stations of the Cross were originally poly-chrome. Due to deterioration they were painted white around 1959. Washington Art Glass Studios created and maintained the stained glass windows. Jed Boertlein son of the designer recently restored the windows in the Upper Parish Hall.
Saint James Episcopal Church also extends its reach into the community through outreach ministries. Working with Everyone Home DC they provide backpacks at the beginning of the school year. They also offer Thanksgiving baskets. At Christmas they adopt a local family.