On April 30, 1944, a meeting was held in the Chatham Village subdivision of Havertown to discuss establishing a church. Services were originally held in the parsonage at 304 Walnut Place. After much discernment those in the new church selected the name, St. James, after Jesus’ brother.
Over the months, the congregation grew and finally outgrew the parsonage. Many options for a new church were explored, and the leadership finally selected the Grange barn! The Grange estate had been built in 1749, and the estate had a barn that it was willing to sell the church. So after much renovation and remodeling, the first service of worship was held in the remodeled barn on December 19, 1948.
Over the years, St. James has grown and expanded. The original barn has been added to, creating offices and Christian education space.
Today St. James is the focus of activity for the church and its mission and outreach. Additionally, church space is used by the Friendly Faces Day Care Center as well as a dozen outside groups ranging from Alcoholics Anonymous to groups of musicians and artists.