The congregation eventually known as St. James United Methodist Church began as the brainchild of several residents of the Park Hills area, District Superintendent Dr. J.O. Smith, and the Rev. A.M. Smith.  A survey of the area was conducted by the district with the help of some Spartanburg Methodist College students and other interested persons.  The first meeting was held on Wednesday, May 11, 1955, at the Knights of Pythias Lodge Hall.  The first service was held on May 22, 1955, with 73 persons present.
    The land for the first building had been a cotton field owned by Mr. Law Lanford.  The purchase was made on June 27, 1955, and the loan was completely paid on February 1, 1956.
    The educational wing of the present building was completed on January 18, 1959.
    Additional education and office space was completed on September 30, 1962.  The Rev. James Hall was pastor.  That same year St. James Kindergarten was begun as a ministry to the community.
    The present sanctuary was consecrated on May 17, 1970.  The Rev. John T. Hayes was pastor.  The mortgage was burned and the building was dedicated on October 8, 1989 with Bishop Joseph Bethea presiding.  The Rev. William K. Coble was pastor.
    A gym, administrative offices, additional classrooms, The Todd Watson Activity Center, a new kitchen, and renovations to the Fellowship Hall were completed in 1997.  The Rev. William H. Phillips was pastor.
    St. James has grown to a membership of 759 persons.  As a dynamic body of believers, St. James is expanding its vision of ministry and growth as we look toward the future.

Page Last Edited:  06/18/07 08:01:49 PM