“St. James Church saved” declared one headline. The story of St. James Episcopal Church is a tale of mergers moves and a commitment to community. This church’s journey reflects Boston’s changing landscape. It stands as a testament to faith and social action.
St. James Episcopal Church has roots in two Roxbury churches. These are St. James organized in 1832 and St. John’s. St. John’s began as a mission of St. James. It later became a parish in 1872.
St. James was the first Episcopal church in Roxbury. It became a parish for affluent Boston families. Their summer homes were in what was then called the Boston Highlands. St. James developed a strong missionary tradition. From it came St. John’s Church in Jamaica Plain. Also St. Anne’s Church in Dorchester and St. John’s Church in Roxbury.
In 1859 Reverend George Sherman Converse became rector. He brought a Catholic movement influence. The church was renovated. A vested choir was introduced. Dr. Converse cared for all parishioners rich and poor. He connected with Roxbury’s working-class population.
In 1861 Reverend Converse started missionary services. These were in a hall on Tremont Street. By 1866 a Sunday school and sewing classes thrived. Plans were made for a chapel in Roxbury Crossing. In 1872 the congregation became St. John’s Parish. The following year they called Dr. Converse from St. James to be rector.
Dr. Converse and his successors drew new members. They offered Anglo-Catholic liturgy and ritual. St. John’s became a church with a mission to the poor. Many were African Americans from Boston’s South End.
Under Reverend Frederic W. Fitts the Sarum Rite was developed. He used sacraments to teach Catholic doctrine. He introduced confession and healing ministry. There was always an effort to evangelize and involve the laity.
In 1945 St. John’s lost a great pastor Father Fitts. His successor Reverend Warren H. McKenna broadened the church’s pastoral role. He aimed to lead people to embrace the Gospel and manifest it in social action.
In the 1960s St. John’s became more involved in its community. Under Reverend Gilbert S. Avery the parish grew. It advocated for housing and school upgrades. A church bulletin from 1967 lists an Information and Referral Center.
In 1962 the St. James church building was sold. This was part of urban renewal. Parishioners met in a storefront. In 1967 the St. John’s church building was also sold. This followed planned highway expansion. The church was damaged by fire in April 1967.
In 1968 the parishes reunited as St. John St. James Church. They bought the site of the former St. Luke’s Home for Convalescents. For two years the congregation worshiped in St. Luke’s Chapel. In 1970 a new worship space was consecrated by Bishop John M. Burgess. This space was added to Ionic Hall.
Continuing the tradition of involvement the new parish established Parents for Justice and Welfare Rights Inc.. Other projects included a nursery school a Conscientious Objectors Program a Tutorial Program and courses in reading and black history. St. John St. James became a home a church and a community.
In recent years St. John St. James has been led by several leaders. These include Rev. Cornelius Hastie Rev. Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa Rev. Gift Makwasha Muendamberi and Rev. Rospignac Ambroise. Under Fr. Ambroise St. John St. James has a relationship with a Haitian congregation. They continue the tradition of multicultural ministry. The gospel is read in French Spanish and English. This reflects the cultural roots of church members.
Today St. James Episcopal Church stands as a symbol of resilience. It embodies a legacy of faith community service and social justice. Its story is a reminder of the enduring power of unity and purpose.