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 Jersey's 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 God's 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 church's 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. Watley's tenure: Media Ministry (audio/video/television), Dance Ministry, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, New Life Ministry, Family Resource Ministry, Ministries of Hope and Healing, Women's and Men's Ministries, Restoration Ministry... and so much more.