St. James United Church of Christ recently celebrated their 125th year of providing a place of Christian worship and fellowship in Saline Township.  We are proud of where we have been and where we are heading as a congregation. 

Please enjoy this brief account of our history and heritage in words and photographs. 

On July 15, 1883, several Saline Township families began holding services in Benton School near Parson's sawmill. By 1884, these original few families had increased to 18 and they organized themselves as the United Evangelical St. Jakobus Congregation of Saline Township. 

In the winter of 1884, the young church decided to erect a church building which was dedicated on September 27, 1885 to the glory of God. 

Over the next century and a quarter, the church expanded its flock, a parsonage was built, a cemetery was dedicated, the church was painted in fresco, and stunning glass art windows were installed.  The church was blessed with gifted and dedicated pastors (28 to be precise) who stood behind an old and later a new handcrafted pulpit.  A Women’s Guild was formed, the Ice Cream Social was born, and kerosene lamps gave way to modern electrical appliances. 

The church was affiliated with the Evangelical Synod of North America which merged to become the Evangelical and Reformed Church.  St. Jakobus was slowly transformed to her current moniker and affiliation of St. James United Church of Christ. 

Through these many transformations and improvements, the dedication of the St. James congregation as a body of Christ has never wavered.  As stated by Reverend Armin C. Bizer, who served from 1956-1961:

These brief facts do not alone tell the history of St. James Church.  Our main concern has been to provide a place where God could be satisfactorily praised and worshipped, a fellowship which would deepen the spiritual life of all... 

As we have reflect on our rich history during our 125th anniversary year, we are thankful for all of the blessings we have received.  As we stand poised to begin our next 125 years, we can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us next!!

1928-Present

rch (Above) The church interior in 1954

(Below) The freshly moved church, 1954

(Below) The beginning of the Centennial Celebration, 1983

(Right) The congregation at the ground-breaking for the new addition, 2001

(Below)  St. James United Church of Christ, 2009

St. James Church

Centenniel Hymn

(to the tune of "Hymn to Joy")

1853-1927

 (Left) Photo of original church building taken between 1898-1906.  Reverend Groeber is standing in the doorway of the church.

(Below) Original corner stone

(Above) The pastor and his family are shown at the church gate - 1892

(Below) Program from 75th Anniversary celebration service

(Below) St. James exterior during 125th year celebration, 2008