St. James' Episcopal Church (Manhattan) Explained

St. James' Church
Fullname:The Parish Church of Saint James
Location:Madison Avenue and 71st Street
New York City, New York
Country:U.S.
Denomination:Episcopal Church
Rector:The Rev. Zachary Thompson
Diocese:Episcopal Diocese of New York

St. James' Church is an Episcopal parish church located at the intersection of Madison Avenue and 71st Street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City.

Founded in May 1810 as a summer chapel for New Yorkers with country homes north of the then city, it has grown into one of the largest Episcopal churches in New York City. In addition to worship, it has programs for children and young families, youth and young adults, as well as a music program and a devotion to mission and service in the community.[1]

In 2021, it reported 1,559 members, average attendance of 165, and $2,749,445 in plate and pledge income.[2]

Worship & music

St. James' Church worships in a variety of styles within the Anglican tradition. Four services of Holy Eucharist are celebrated every Sunday.

Music

In 2008–2009, the parish installed the St. James' Bicentennial Organ, built by Schoenstein & Co. Organbuilders (op. 156 & 157) in San Francisco. The organ contains a total of 5,538 pipes, with 4,407 pipes in the chancel organ and 1,131 pipes in the gallery. The new organ was dedicated in October 2010.[3]

Recent history

In 1996 St. James' called as rector the Rev. Brenda G. Husson, the first woman chosen to lead a parish of such size and prominence in the diocese.[4] [5] Under Husson's leadership, St. James' received a large private grant to establish the Partners in Mission program. The PIM grant currently supports ongoing partnerships with the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi in Africa,[6] three Episcopal parishes in Haiti, as well as regular work with the Osborne Association's outreach to children with incarcerated parents in New York.[7]

Husson retired in 2023, after 27 years as rector.[8]

St. James' was invited to participate in the Lilly Endowment's nationwide Transition into Ministry program for the mentoring of new clergy. The position of 'Lilly Fellow' was created in 2003 to train new priests in all aspects of parish life.[9]

St. James' celebrated its bicentennial year in 2010. The parish welcomed Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, for a festive service marking the culmination of the bicentennial year on November 14, 2010.[10]

Rectors

In popular culture

See also

Further reading

James Elliot Lindsley. A History of St. James' Church in the City of New York 1810–1960.
Francis J. Sypher, Jr. St. James' Church in the City of New York, 1810–2010. (New York: St. James' Church, 2010).

References

40.7711°N -73.9657°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: St. James Church - New York Church - New York, NY. www.faithstreet.com. July 21, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20110831121932/https://www.faithstreet.com/newyork/stjameschurch. August 31, 2011. August 31, 2011.
  2. Web site: Explore Parochial Trends. 2022-12-02. Episcopal Church. en.
  3. Web site: St. James Church (Episcopal) - New York City. www.nycago.org. July 21, 2017. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20170607095149/http://www.nycago.org/Organs/NYC/html/StJamesEpis.html. June 7, 2017.
  4. Web site: The Living Church: Search Results. June 15, 1997 . www.episcopalarchives.org. July 21, 2017.
  5. Web site: Bell. Charles W.. Making Herstory at St. James. https://archive.today/20120710165455/http://articles.nydailynews.com/1997-01-25/entertainment/18042854_1_new-rector-interim-pastor-pews. dead. July 10, 2012. New York Daily News. January 25, 1997.
  6. Web site: Davies. Matthew. Listening: Southern Malawi bishop acknowledges partnership. Episcopal News Service Archives. July 21, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20100621092526/https://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_74540_ENG_HTM.htm. June 21, 2010 . May 11, 2006.
  7. Web site: Programs - Osborneny . www.osborneny.org. July 21, 2017 . en.
  8. Web site: A Letter from the Rector – St. James' Church . 2023-05-29 . en-US.
  9. Web site: New Pastors Forum for Theological Exploration. www.fteleaders.org. July 21, 2017. en.
  10. Web site: Sermon - St. James' Church Bicentennial Service - Part 3 of 10 . YouTube . July 21, 2017.
  11. News: Edward R. Murrow, Broadcaster And Ex-Chief of U.S.I.A., Dies. The New York Times. April 28, 1965. July 21, 2017.
  12. News: Funeral for Montgomery Clift Attended by Celebrities Here . The New York Times . 27 July 1966 .
  13. Web site: Gossip Girl Archives. Wetpaint. July 21, 2017.

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