Do those pillars whisper secrets of ancient Greece? St. James Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and architectural grandeur. It has been a cornerstone of the Lakewood community for over a century.
St. James Church history began in 1908. Bishop Ignatius F. Horstman wanted a new parish in Lakewood. He designated Rev. Michael D. Leahy to lead it. However the Bishop died before the appointment. Msgr. Felix M. Boff officially appointed Fr. Leahy as pastor on July 1 1908. This established the new parish under the patronage of Saint James the Greater.
Initially, the congregation gathered in an empty storeroom in the O’Donnell Block. As membership grew, additional Masses were held in Miller Hall. In 1912, land was acquired for a permanent church. Construction began in 1913 and was completed in October of that year. Bishop John Farrly dedicated the church on November 8 1914. He called it a spiritual home for life’s key moments.
By 1920 the parish had over 4200 parishioners and 517 students. The growing Catholic community led to the creation of three new parishes. These were Saint Luke Saint Clement and Saint Christopher. St. James continued to thrive despite these divisions.
In 1925 construction began on the current church. Its design was inspired by the Monreale Cathedral in Palermo Sicily. The completed church was dedicated on May 21 1935. Bishop Joseph Schrembs presided over the ceremony. After Fr. Leahy’s death in 1941 Msgr. Daniel Gallagher became pastor. He completed the interior artwork. He also oversaw the conversion of the lower church into classrooms. A new convent was built for the Sisters of the Holy Humility.
Msgr. Gallagher was known for his humor and leadership. He retired in 1969 due to health issues. Rev. Edward Murphy and Rev. William Andrews followed him. Rev. John Weigand became the parish’s fifth pastor. He served until his retirement in 2010.
In 2007 Bishop Richard Lennon initiated a diocesan-wide consolidation. This was due to declining population and financial challenges. In March 2009 St. James Parish was selected for closure. Parishioners formed Save Saint James to appeal the decision. Despite their efforts the formal closing Mass was held on June 26 2010. The next day Fr. Weigand locked the church’s doors.
The community successfully petitioned to have St. James designated a historical landmark. It became the first structure in Lakewood to receive this designation. The Vatican upheld an appeal against the closure. On March 7 2012 the Congregation for the Clergy ruled in favor of St. James. Bishop Lennon chose not to contest the ruling. St. James was re-established under Rev. Joseph G. Workman on July 23 2012.
On July 25 2012 the Feast of Saint James the Greater the church reopened. New and old parishioners celebrated Mass together. This marked a new chapter for the historic St. James Church. It continues as a place of faith community and resilience.
Today St. James stands as a beacon of hope. Its architectural beauty is inspired by the 12th-century Monreale Cathedral. The pillars made from 2000-year-old Porta Santa marble are quarried in Greece. It suffered water damage because of a storm several years ago. The community is working to repair the roof and interior. St. James is asking for contributions to help restore and heal the church. It is an opportunity for the church and the community to heal together.