St. James Church
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From the Pastor's Pen Welcome from the Pastor
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we bid you a hearty welcome to St. James AME Church. We are grateful for the way God has opened up the windows of heaven and poured into the life of our church overflowing abundance and evidences of faithfulness that have surpassed what God has done in our lives in times past. It is our fervent hope that you will enjoy your worship experience with us. We are a church family that is Growing for Gods Glory in all areas of our lives. Please feel free to become better acquainted with us by perusing this Web site. It will give you an overview of our beliefs, worship schedule, and a wide range of ministries that extend beyond the arched ceilings and stained-glass windows of our historic cathedral. If this is your first visit, we are honored that the Lord has led you this way. If you are looking for a new church home, we offer you a personal invitation to join a community of believers that embraces all of Gods people. We are grateful for what God has already done and we are excited that God by the power at work within us is about to "accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen." Once again, welcome, Rev. William D. Watley, Ph.D. Senior Pastor
About St. James Church History
St. James AME Church stands majestically on the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Court Street. Its Gothic architectural structure creates a commanding air of splendor and beauty that has merited it a place in the annals of New Jerseys Historical Registry. Within this Gothic cathedral are sixteen priceless, stained glass windows which include: one massive floor-to-celling "Rose" window, six exquisite Tiffany windows that depict biblical history in raised relief, and nine simply designed floral-patterned windows. The complete structure of St. James is so unified until it creates a feeling of harmony and soaring height making it a " gem of a rare architectural beauty." Humble Beginnings Rev. C. Birch on Green Street in Newark, New Jersey organized St. James, originally known as Bethel AME Church, in 1842. It was disbanded for a brief period, but was reorganized shortly thereafter under a new name... St. James AME Church. After settling temporarily in a variety of places the trustees finally secured a building on Union Street and remained there until 1945. On January 1, 1945, the present church was purchased under the leadership of Rev. Mansfield P. Jackson for $35,000. Several bidders offered larger amounts for the building, but the original owners, Old First Presbyterian Church, chose the congregation that it felt would keep the church as well as help the community. The St. James Congregation held their first worship service on January 7, 1945. Dedication services were held on January 14, 1945. The mortgage was paid in full on December 20, 1945 and was burned on January 13, 1946. Called to Serve In the latter half of the 20th century, the following ministers have served as pastor of St. James: 1950 - Rev. Eustace L. Blake, 1966 - Rev. D. McNeil Owens, 1979 - Rev. L. Sylvester Odom, 1979 - Rev. Vernon R. Byrd. Rev. Byrd was the first pastor from St. James to be elevated to the office of bishop. In 1984 Rev. Byrd was consecrated the 105th bishop of the AME Church. Growing for Gods Glory In 1984 Rev. William D. Watley ascended to the pastorate of St. James and catapulted the church to a new realm of spirituality, stewardship, education and service. Under his leadership the Christian Learning Center was established, bible studies for men, women, youth and the community were also instituted. Wednesday noonday worship service which attracts more than 700 people was started, and the 6:00 am Sunday worship service was also added. Stewardship has grown so significantly that tithing has become the method of financing the churchs many ministries. In a thrust for educational excellence St. James established a faith-based, technologically adept preparatory school - St. James Preparatory. St. James Social Services Corporation was formed to provide much needed social programs, (i.e., after school care, feeding and clothing, summer camp and workforce development). The St. James Church Development Corp. promotes economic development through homeownership, entrepreneurship and community development support. Many new ministries have also been birthed during Rev. Watleys tenure: Media Ministry (audio/video/television), Dance Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, New Life Ministry, Family Resource Ministry, Ministries of Hope and Healing, Womens and Mens Ministries, Restoration Ministry... and so much more.
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