Our History

Most of the founding members of St. James worshipped originally at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Providence but lived in Riverside and Barrington. During the early 1950's they began to dream of a faith community closer to home.

The community of St. James was established in 1955. At that time the congregation worshipped at St. Andrew's School in Barrington. In 1957 the original church building at 49 Middle Highway was completed. All of the wood carving in the front area of the sanctuary was done lovingly by Verner Follin, a one armed, dedicated and talented man.

In the mid-1980's and addition was put on including the community room, choir room, and kitchenette, pastor's and secretary's offices, restroom, conference room, expanded narthex, and courtyard area on the main level. Classrooms and storage space was added to the lower level. Also added were the beautiful stained glass windows that adorn the sanctuary.

St. James has had five pastors throughout its fifty year history. Pastor Eide was the first female pastor.

2010	Pastor Andrew Simon, wife Kathleen, and son Jacob join the St. James family of faith.
2009	Farewell to Pastor Liz Eide, who accepted a call to King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN
2008	New electronic carillon installed; video ministry equipment updated
2007	Elderly/Disability/Family Friendly restroom installation
2006	New sanctuary flooring and lamps installed.
2004	New organ arrives.
2002	Pastor Eide begins her ministry at St. James.
1996	Rev. Jack Ferra was installed as Pastor of St. James.
1995	Pastor Ferra began his ministry.
1995	Pastor Jack Ferra received call to serve as pastor of St. James.
1995	Friendship Sunday and Retirement Party for Pastor Ryden at Johnson and Wales Inn. Pastor Ryden was honored as Pastor Emeritus. Rev. Richard Schlak becomes Vacancy Pastor.
1995	Farewell service for Pastor Ryden who retired.
1984	Mortgage is burned.
1984	Ground breaking for new addition.
1966	Service and Installation of Pastor Ryden.
1966	Rev. Ernest Ryden called as Pastor.
1965	Pastor John Jetty became Vice Pastor.
1965	Pastor Shirkey submitted his letter of resignation to the Council and the congregation to become effective on August 31, 1965. He is now Pastor Emeritus in Oscoda, Michigan. Chaplain Dreith of the Newport Naval Station became temporary pastor.
1962	Pastor Shirkey was installed as pastor.
1961	Rev. Ronald Shirkey called as pastor.
1960	Pastor Brodeen accepted the call to the First Lutheran Church in Lynn, Massachusetts.
1956	Reformation Sunday - Pastor Brodeen preached his last service.
1956	St. James was dedicated.
1956	Cornerstone was laid.
1956	Ground broken for the new church.
1956	Board of American Missions bought new parsonage, 25 Edgewood Drive and 2 acre property for the new church - corner of Middle Highway and County Road.
1954	Meeting of Barrington Mission of the Augustava Church was held in the Chapel of the Barrington campus of the Providence Bible Institute.
1954	Organizational Sunday and Installation for Rev. Eugene Brodeen in St. Andrews School Chapel.

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