Saint James was organized in the late 1800s by Rev. James Robinson, and the church was named in his honor. In the mid-1900s, the church’s foundation was erected under the leadership of Rev. Pitts, and it was not until the appointment of Rev. H.P. Golden that the church was completed in 1954. During this time, St. James hosted the first annual conference. That sanctuary was rebuilt under Rev. Golden’s supervision and later renamed as the H.P. Golden Fellowship Hall.
St. James Perry has been led by many spiritual leaders. Dating back to the 1900s, the ministers in charge were Rev. Childs, Rev. Hollis, Rev. Williams, Rev. Tylen, and Rev. Wynn. Moreover, Rev. W. M. Blacksheer was appointed to the Perry Circuit, and Rev. T.C. Simmons was called to the ministry under his leadership. Rev. Kinball followed Rev. Blacksheer, then Rev. Standifer and Rev. J.D. Mitchell continued with the upbuilding of St. James. During Rev. C.C. Burnam’s appointment to the Perry Circuit and pastorship, the church parsonage was built where this sanctuary presently stands. St. James was also pastored by Rev. Pettigrew, Rev. Johnson, Rev. Cooper, and Rev. Rumph. In 1980, Rev. Walter Patterson was appointed, and his tenure lasted 11 years. The church continued to grow under his leadership, and the establishment of the St. James Connection Choir was during this time.
Rev. John Wilburn was appointed to St. James in 1991 and pastored until 1994. Under his pastoring, he encouraged the youth to become more involved in the church. The Acolytes were established and put in place. Rev. Wilburn had a vision of having Sunday service every Sunday. He asked the church to please consider this change. In 1994, Rev. John Jackson was appointed to St. James.
When St. James was no longer part of the circuit, we began to have worship services every Sunday. There was a tremendous growth in membership and spirituality, and new ministries were added. Rev. Jackson had a vision for a new church. The mission statement of the church then was: “Hear the Word; believe the Word; apply the Word,” which we’re still using as guidance in our daily walk with God.
Rev. Jackson’s tenure ended in 2001, and Rev. Dr. Willie Wright picked up the banner and continued the growth of the church. Rev. Wright worked to complete the vision of a new church. Today, we continue to enjoy this beautiful edifice. Upon completion of the church in 2002, the annual conference was held here. Rev. Randy King was then appointed as Pastor, and with his leadership, the church’s first printed and a published directory was created.
Many other pastors have worked in the vineyard to continue the growth of this church. They include Rev. Hooks, Rev. Massey, Rev. Wilks, Rev. Wade, Rev. Jordan, Rev. Cole, Rev. Amber Lowe-Woodfork, Rev. Cameron M.A. Jordan, and presently Rev. Anthony V. Hayes. Today, we strive to continue the work they started to make St. James a place of spiritual learning, worship, and praise, and a place for family fellowship.
The history of St. James would not be completed without the officials of the church, past and present presiding elders N. J. Smith, E. L. Green, Elder J. L. Kelly, Henry Jones, Jerry Poole, Raymond D. Ford, and Donald R. Jordan as well as past bishops Randolph Shy, Joseph C. Coles, Othal H. Lakey, and Kenneth Carter. We also owe our thanks to Rev. Jane Thomas as well as Presiding Elder and Bishop Thomas Louis Brown, Sr., presiding prelate.
We are the light on the hill that continues to shine! Our motto for this year is “Moving Forward by Faith!” We can be seen far and wide, always ready to do the work of the Lord. This is our history.
