Imagine stepping back in time to 1850. St. James Holy Church was born then. It emerged as the first Catholic parish west of the Schuylkill River.
Originally named St. James the Greater, it started small. The first church building arose at 38th and Chestnut Streets. Rapid growth demanded something bigger.
In 1881, construction began on the grander structure you see now. Architect Edwin Forrest Durang designed it. Six years later, in 1887, the new church was complete. The hand-carved wooden confessionals from the original 1850 church found a home in the new building. They remain there to this day.
The interior design was inspired by European cathedrals. The stained-glass artist studied those in the famed cathedral of León, Spain.
In 1930, changes came to St. James Holy Church. The original asymmetrical towers transformed into the symmetrical profile we see today. Electrical lighting illuminated the interior for the first time.
1976 marked a significant moment. St. Agatha’s Church merged with St. James. From then on, it became St. Agatha-St. James Church. St. Agatha’s suffered multiple fires and a declining population.
More renovations occurred in 2003. The interior got a simpler, less colorful design. The traditional altar rail was removed. A large ambo was installed.
Between 2018 and 2019, the lower level became a cafeteria and event space. The old school building was renovated. It now serves as student ministry and office space. A link was built connecting the church to the old school building.
Did you know St. James Holy Church is home to the first Newman Center in the country? Founded in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania, it supports university students. Drexel Newman Center followed in 1921. In 2010, pastoral leadership for Penn and Drexel Newman ministries was entrusted to St. James Holy Church.
St. James the Greater was one of Jesus’ first disciples. James was fishing with his father and John when Jesus called them. They left everything to follow him.
St. Agatha, also known as Agatha of Sicily, is another patron saint of the church. She dedicated her life to God. She became a consecrated virgin.
Today, St. Agatha-St. James Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of community. Its history echoes through its halls. It reminds us of the enduring power of belief and the strength of unity.