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Always in my heart
Submitted by debbie, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

My mother brought my brother and I to St. James some fifty years ago. Since that time I have seen many pastors come and go. But with each new change, the church has grown.

I have participated in my church organizations and boards since that time.

Since the hurricane the members of St. James have become stronger and closer. We see the devastion of the church and are not afraid to tackle the restoration project.

When I evacated to Baton Rouge, I attended one of the mega churches there. The church made us welcome and provided for our many needs, but I always had St. James in the back of mind. I always wondered what was going on at St. James.

When we returned to the santuary a few weeks ago, it brought tears to my eyes. It was a feeling of returning home after being away for a long time. There is somthing about St. James that draws you in. Maybe, it's the beauty of the santuary, the friendly greetings of the ushers or the maybe it's the spirit of all those souls who preserved this church and gone on.

I will always be a part of this church and my family will be there after I'm gone.

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Church split--crossing the picket line
Submitted by debbie, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

I remember the tension in St. James and the fraction that divided the church. One Sunday my girlfriend, Lillie Bickham, my brother, Michael and myself went to church and there was a group of adults inside the church yard. We tried to open the iron gate into the church yard and we were told that we could not enter. We asked why and we were told that the church was picketing a decision made and that we better not cross the picket line. I remember that day feeling a sense of horror and disbelief that adults would treat children in such a way. I remained with the original church. Some of the members who left the church did evidently return to St. James.

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Historic St. James A M E present Pastor
Submitted by Ollie, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

Pastor Otto W. Duncan Jr. M. Div. is a son of St. James A. M. E. church that has returned home to 'lead the flock'. He was baptized as an infant, attended Sunday school as a youth and teenager and was a member of the male chorus and many other church activities; all of these things took place in St. James. His early adult years keep him inside or near St. James as a youth minister. Now, he is our present pastor.

As our pastor since December 2005, he continuously stresses the importance of our church history and our leadership in the community. He talks about the days of his childhood in the church and his family's involvement in the church. He encourages all members and visitors to read about the church's history. It is a blessing to the congregation of Historic St. James to have a leader that is so concerned about the care and well-being of our great church, it's members and the communities of New Orleans.

Under his leadership the church has started or renewed many different ministries. Pastor Duncan once told the congregation "we are bent, but not broken!"

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A son of St. James
Submitted by Willie A. Mason, New Orleans, Louisiana

I grew up in St. James. My parents ( Mr. Willie L. and Mrs. Elnora Mason ) raised me, my sisters and brothers in an environment of Godliness. Some of my greatest memories were in sunday school where we shared the word of God with enthusiam where both my mother and father taught .We had and still have a church of great love. I remember the outstanding choir we had when on occasion WDSU tv would invite us to sing. We had a sunbeam choir, a youth choir and a sanctuary choir and as I grew I became a member of each. I remember Mrs. Harris who would go throughout the neighborhood gathering children to attend church and sunday school. Many noted people or members worshiped at St. James such as the first black governor in the United States ,P.B.S. Pinchback ; assistant to the mayor Robert ( Bob) Tucker ; pianist Ellis Marcellis and director / writer Tyler Perry. Even during our civil right struggles , St. James was in the forefront . Our first black mayor Ernest N Morial use to attend NAACP meeting here. Rev. Gilbert Haughton a civil right activist in New Orleans and Alexander , Louisiana pastored here. Though, these are only an infinitesimal speck in St. James history, the church from its concept to now truly is the mother AME church of the south.

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No Place Like Home
Submitted by Allyson N. Ross, Lafayette, Indiana

Historic St. James A.M.E. Church has a rich history which dates for more than 160 years. My experiences there are only a small part of what this church has been in the lives of many. I began attending services at St. James as a young child when my mother joined the church over 20 years ago. St. James was the place where I learned about Jesus and all that he meant to my life as well as where I received encouragement and motivation to continue to excel in my educational endeavors.

St. James is where I built my spiritual foundation. As a child, I participated in the Young People's Department (YPD), the Sunbeam choir, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and the many activities the church held throughout the 8th Episcopal District. As I grew older, I participated in the Early Morning Mass Choir and the youth choir which eventually evolved into a group called Faithful.

In 2003, I left New Orleans to attend college but I never forgot my home. In December 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, I returned home to help my home church rebuild. It was devastating to see the damage the storm had caused all over the city but especially at my church but a few members had returned and God told us that we were bent but not broken.

Throughout my life, I have grown both physically and spiritually. The St. James Church family was instrumental in my development. The many people that I have met and the experiences that I have had at St. James have made me the person that I am today. There is no way that I could be where I am, doing what I love if it had not been for my church family and the relationship with Christ that they helped me to develop. St. James is more than a church; it is a place where I can always find refuge for my soul. St. James A.M.E. is my home church and no matter where I relocate I will always call it home.

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St. James the Beginnings
Submitted by The Harkness Family, Atlanta

I arrived in New Orleans two weeks after Easter 1991, working and trying to find a house for my family. In addition to house hunting I searched for a Church home. I went to a different church each Sunday when I was in town. One day I heard on the radio a 30 minute program of singing and preaching. The hook for me was this was an AME Church on the radio. I visited the church on the next Sunday and was greeted at the door by loving ushers who directed me in and led me to a seat and everything I heard on the radio I experience in person.This began a 6 year relationship that helped in the development of our kids, my wife and myself. We experienced the present St. James, we learn about the Historical St. James and we participated in the development of the future St. James. We made lifelong friends and learned how to work through the conflicts that are prevelant when diferent personalities and ideas work together to do the Lords Work. We worked, gave and prayed to help in the repairs and upkeep and improvements to maintain the historical edifice that was built by free men and women of color to produce a place where all people could be free by the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ. Floods, storms and change may come but the heritage and history of St. James will live forever as long as the distinctive steeple still rises above Interstate 10 as part of the welcome to New Orleans. St. James will forever be etched into the minds, heart and soul of the Harkness Family.

May God Bless

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You say that life has got you down DON'T WORRY
Submitted by Pete, North Carolina

Historical St. James A.M.E. Church is a pillar in the city of New Orleans.

Its high ceilings, decorated windows, arched way over the pulpit and its sweet spirit that welcome you is something that you take with you forever. If you close your eyes you could hear and feel the presents of the Lord in the sanctuary.

I came to New Orleans in 1980. St. James at that time was church that was still growing in numbers and spiritual.

The ushers welcome you with a smile and escorted you to a seat. The greetings of the members in services, the many children, the wisdom of the elderly, music that made you thank God, and the preached word that came from different styles of the pastors that sometime couldn't say a word but the holy ghost just had it's way.

The Prayer Partners, Class Leaders, Women Missionary Society, Sons of Allen, Laity, Sunday School, YPDers, Helping Hand Board, Pastor Aided, Choirs, Plays, Auctions, Health Fairs, Community Outreach Programs, Annual Conferences, Night in White Services, Women Conference, Feeding the Homeless, Honoring the Seniors, Adapting a School, 5-K Walk/Run, Mother/Father Day Newspaper, Workshops, Nursing and Visiting the Sick, Food and School Supplies Drives, Mr. and Mrs. St. James, Dinner Theater, Choir Anniversaries, Black History Moments, Family gatherings, and many more…. .......

This mother church of the south represents the tears, dedication, hard labor, and FAITH of the past, present, and future. She was built with women carrying bricks in their aprons to have her stand for a place of worship for all.

As she has weather many things in life one thing always gives you hope about her, the palm trees in the front of church always grow strong and plenty.

Let her continue to grow............help her Grow, Glow, and Go for Christ

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My memories
Submitted by Kim Smith, Mid City National Register District

St. James AME Church has been a very vital part of this community. This church was at the center of many historical events. The history of how the building was erected. I can remember being taught this history when I was a little girl, as a teenager and even as an adult. I have taught my sons the histroy of St. James. Perserving the facility is perserving our history. My parents were funeralized here, I was married here and my children baptized here. Since Hurricane Katrina, I have not been able to find another church like St. James.

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Working in New Orleans After Katrina
Submitted by Emmitt Alexander, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

I came to New Orleans on October 13, 2005 to work for AT&T during restoration of the eastern portion of New Orleans. This was the most devastative area in New Orleans. Then I came to Histroic St James AME Church and my christrain life has been lifted so much. Please provide the with the necessary money to preservate a great Church. The lord bless Historic and keep her in the community because the church does so much for the community. St James is a church is back to basic helping people in the community to growth.

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Foundation Of Love
Submitted by olivia common, new orleans mid-city

St. James A.M.E. is a Church where the love pours from heart to heart. I thank God for St. James. It has been a pillar to my prayer. It was 8 years ago, my husband was near death and left paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident. The Pastor of the Church at that time, Samuel Boyd was one of the Angels at his side. Therefore we joined the congregation feeling accepted and welcomed. Since then, God has allowed me to use my gifts and be a blessing to others as St. James has been to me and my Family.

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Teachers have been blessed by St. James
Submitted by Trena, New Orleans Bienville Corridor

United Teachers of New Orleans have been blessed by the fact that St James has opened its church hall to us for meetings, workshops for parents and teachers, forums for parents and teachers, and seminars. Without this space, I don't know what various groups would have done, especially since there was limited meeting places in New Orleans after the storm. Rev. Duncan and his congregation are very concerned about the rebuilding of the community and that is one of the reasons that they adopted Wicker Elementary School. As part of the adoption, they tutor, perform crossing guard duty, provide uniforms, bookbags and supplies for students, especially new students. The church hall and Sanctuary is also used as a safe area in case a fire or any other emergency occurs at their school. In addition to looking out for the students, they also do year-round "Teacher Appreciation." In other words, St James is an asset to the Bienville Corridor.

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Preserving Our Savior's Work!
Submitted by Jerrold Shelton, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

When asked by a sister to contribute my support in getting a restoration grant to restore my community home church I decided to give the foremost reason that could come to mind. Well St. James has been here since 1844 and has been serving, saving and catering to the much needed area and afar diligently.

With the homeless problem we have in the area, the drug halfway house where I myself live and the dedicated members of the St. James, I can't see more reason why our church shouldn't receive the support.

Those are my reasons and this is my submission to campaign for the funds. May The Lord Bless, in his name.

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Following My Son
Submitted by Mary Carrere, MidCity National Register District

I came to St James AME Church following my 15 year old son, who was following my sister and her daughter. When I came, I liked what I saw and joined the church in 1986. I enjoyed the ministry, the leadership and everything St. James stood for. When I got my grandchildren, I brought them to St. James also. Soon after, more of my family members became members of the church. I became a member of the Sanctuary Choir, under the leadership of Bro. Joseph Warrick.

I have learned and have grown a lot, and have enjoyed my many years at St. James. St. James has been a beacon light for me and my family.

I grew up in the neighborhood as a child and have always admired the beauty of the church. I am praying that our church will be restored back to its beauty and luster.

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Happy to be a member of Historic St. James
Submitted by Angela Deloney, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

As a new member of Historic St. James A M E Church, I've come to love the members of my church family. And, after learning the church's history, I'm glad to know it is a historic site that has been around many years. My Pastor, Otto Duncan Jr. has been a great inspiration to me. The church itself is a great asset in my spiritual growth with christ.

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What St. James means to me!!!
Submitted by Arianne Rumley-Moore, Mid City National Register District

St. James is the church that I grew up in. At this church I learned everything there is to know about life, love, and education. This church has instilled in me the value of education, and the value of putting God first in my life. Historic St. James is a very important place in the city of New Orleans and an important place in my heart. Historic St. James was the place where I was baptized and where I became married. Also, it was the place where my son was baptized. It was because of this church that many of my books were paid for in college, and St. James also paid for me to learn to play the piano as a little girl. If I would have attended another church my life would have not been the same. It was because of St. James that I have met many women that I refer to as aunt, many men that I refer to as uncle, and many people that I consider as my family.

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My Father's House
Submitted by Betty, West Bank

I became a member of St. James more than 20 years ago. My daughter was just a baby and was christened there. She grew up with lots of kids in the YPD and Youth choir. They formed bonds that will last a lifetime.

Historic St. James A. M. E. Church is more than just a church or a historical monument, it is a family. A family that comes together in good times and bad to deal with whatever problems that arise.

After Hurricane Katrina we were anxious to get back there to see what damage had been done to our place of worship. It was quite a mess, but we jumped in with both hands to try to clean up as much as we possibly could to get Wilson Hall cleaned up so that we could have a place to come together and praise the Lord.

There were only five or six of us who came every day to pressure wash the floors in Wilson Hall and then we started to clean out the garbage left in the apartments to get them repaired and ready for rental. There is still much to do, but with God's help we shall overcome.

We used what we had to get our family back together. You know that a family that prays together, stays together. This family of St. James works together, prays together, plays together, helps others together and we have fun working for the Lord and our fellowman.

I love my family at St. James and I cherish many fonds memories that have been a source of strength over these last few years as we have struggled to bring back the family to My Father's House.

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Cherished Church Memories
Submitted by Roger, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

There are many cherished memories of my childhood and adult life connected to Historic St. James A.M.E. Church. My brothers and sister and I were brought to St. James as infants. We were baptized there as a children and have remained members all our lives. I was married and my daughter was baptized there also.

My family has always been involved with St. James in various ways. My father was a trustee for many years. I remember the Christmas pageants, Tom Thrumb Wedding, Sunday school classes, YPD activities and singing in the youth choir. As a young child I remember sitting during service and counting the light bulbs on the "God Is Love" sign hanging over the altar. I also tried to count all of the metal ceiling tiles and gold decorations bordering the ceiling.

I remember the many pastors who have served at St. James. I am very proud that now my oldest brother, who was the junior pastor about forty years ago, was called to be the pastor of St. James A.M.E. after Katrina and rebuild our historic Church.

St. James is the site of so many historic events. It was built by hand by free men and women of color, the Union army used it during the Civil War, it is the mother A.M.E. church of the south.

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Family Memento
Submitted by Gail Russell, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

My memories of St James A M E include memories of my sister, Alice Faye Molten. She was not only a keepsake (loving member) of her St. James family, but she was a memento to me.

My son and I became members of St. James A. M. E. church in 1995. My faith growth has been my outlook on living a Christian life. Thank you God for St. James family.

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Where I Met My
Submitted by Ann RB, MidCity National Register District

One of my endearing memories:

St James AME Church is the place where God allowed me to meet and marry my "Soul Mate."
God lead me to become a member of St. James AME Church in 1984, under the leadership of Rev. D.J. Campbell, Jr. I was welcomed by all the loving, caring, members with open arms. The church was very active with many ministries. I soon learned of its rich history and feel very proud to be a part of this great legacy. The church is still a very viable part of the community, in spite of the setback experienced by Hurricane Katrina. "We were bent, but not broken."

We appreciate and thank the Partners in Preservation for your assistance and considering us for this grant program.

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A Wonderful Lady
Submitted by Pastor Otto Duncan, Mid-City National Register District

The young people of our church were instructed, encouraged, and corrected by a wonderful lady who served as youth director for several decades. Miss Alice M. Harris was an inspiration to generations of young people and adults at St. James. One Sunday when I was in college, the minister asked how many members had been brought to the church or influenced by this lady. Approximately two thirds of the members stood. She did not have an automobile but brought children to church on the bus or street car, and also brought them from homes in the neighborhood. She was my first Sunday School teacher. In the early 1970's, I was proud to have my oldest daughter, who was a toddler at that time, to take a picture with Miss Harris.. She remains a significant figure in our history of our church.

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Feed My Sheep
Submitted by Cynthia, Mississippi

St. James has carried out the philosophy of the founding fathers of the AMEC, to love God and to be a blessing to mankind. St. James has served its community by offering the elderly and low income families, modern, clean, and safe affordable housing. It has served the prisoners' children by giving them Christmas gifts in the name of their incarcerated parents. St. James has given school supplies to the neighborhood school to assist parents. St. James has offered benevolence to many in the community. St. James has been a beacon in its community.

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community cornerstone
Submitted by larry common, new orleans mid-city

I have been a member of ST. JAMES for 8 yrs.I have nothing but fond memories of
our church before Katrina. The Church serves as cornerstone to the community serving the schools, homeless, elderly, disabled, etc. The membership waits for its complete restoration.

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Sanctuary choir member
Submitted by George Keller, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

My memories of St. James A M E church include when I was a member in the Sanctuary Choir during the 1950's - 1970's. It was a very large choir with many great voices. We gave raffles and had fund raisers to support various chuch activies. We recorded an album in 1972 along with Rev. M. J. Black Jr. and the youth choir. The album also included a flute solo, by Alan Wicker

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My most significant memory
Submitted by Dr. Lindsey Moore, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

The most significant memory I have regarding the Historic St. James A.M.E. Church involved the 150th anniversary celebration. The celebration involved the members attending church dressed in African attire. The service consisted of members doing an African dance, and the choir singing old spirituals. Historical events and stories were shared by the older members.

One story which has remained with me was a wedding held in the church involving Colonel James Lewis a free man of color to Miss Josephine Blanche Joubert on january 6, 1864. It was said to have been a very coloful wedding marked by Negro soldiers in uniform. It was during this time that the church was used as a recruitment depot.

The church has been noted throughout history as a very significant part of Negro history in New Orleans. To be constructed by both free men of color and slaves inspires pride in the past accomplishments of southern blacks.

Lindsey Moore

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What St. James means to me
Submitted by Jessica, New Orleans

St. James was my home for four while I was in New Orleans attending college. I came to New Orleans knowing no one, and the St. James family took me in as one of their own. I will always remember walking into the sanctuary for the first time and realizing that I was a part of something very special. As I learned the history of the church and recognized how much this building has endured, I felt even more honored to be a part of it. I feel an obligation to all the people who fought to build St. James and keep its spirit alive many years ago. Ttoday I'm trying to do my part to keep it here for future generations.

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Lost and Found
Submitted by Bro. Edward Lombard, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

Back in 1981 while I was incarcerated, the Lord spoke to me about joining St. James Church. So, when I came home I listened to what I was told and joined St. James A. M. E. Church.

I have been there worshipping the Lord from 1981 -2008. This church is very dear to me. I would love for us to receive the full grant, it would help us in our efforts to restore our beautiful church. Thank you!

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Not a member!
Submitted by Alice L. Anderson, MID-CITY NATIONAL REGISTER DISTRICT

My husband is a member of St. James, but I am not a member. I have been coming on and off since 1991 with my husband to church services and other church activities. I really enjoy St. James very much. It is a spirit filled church and I feel like one of the members.

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Being an Usher
Submitted by Margret Carter, MID-CITY NATIONALREGISTER DISTRICT

I am an usher at Historic St. James A. M. E. Church. I have welcomed many worshipers in and always hope to keep them coming back. Especially the young people, I love to see them in our historical church.

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Conference Memories
Submitted by Myrtis Johnson, New Orleans

I remember the first time I attended an Annual Conference at this church. I was a young girl (ypd'er). This church appeared as a huge cathedral! I was awed by the beautiful windows, large ceilings and impressive pulpit. Up until 2005, this church remained a beautiful edifice. I long for the days of the conferences and meetings held in this historical building, as well as the Debutante & Masters Programs, Conference Musicals, Revivals, Banquets, Luncheons, etc.

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from the Musical Aspect
Submitted by Allen Williams Jr., Kenner, LA (currently Houston, TX)

My fondest memory of Historic St. James has been it's importance to the AME Church. It is the oldest AME congregation of the deep south. Many AME's look to it as the "mother church". I currently take pride in serving there as a musician of the church. There have been numerous musical experiences at the "mother church" that I remember. The first being the fact that it has always been a church that had one of the best, if not the best, group of voices in African Methodism. Second would be the fact that great voices have sang there. Recently recording artists Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Vickie Wayans, etc. Finally, St. James houses an organ that was built in 1940! It still works, just needs to have the cabinet and foot pedals refurbished.

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Reflections
Submitted by Otto Duncan, Mid-City National Register District

I was born into our church and have fond memories of growing up in its unique environment. The ministers and members emphasized culture, education, and community involvement. There were many business and professional persons, and several educators in the congregation. When I was a youth, the music was provided by a pipe organ and the choir sang hymns and anthems. A historic icon over the pulpit is a sign that says, "God Is Love" with the letters illuminated by sixty light bulbs. It has been an inspiration to generations of worshipers. The church has always been a progressive community institution. I am proud and privileged to serve as its pastor in this post-Katrina era. I am encouraged by our dedicated church family which is committed to the preservation of our historic edifice and the continuation of programs to serve God and the community.

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Memory from childhood
Submitted by Ollie, New Orleans, LA

One of my childhood memories is sitting in St. James A M E church's sanctuary with my grandmother Mrs. Ollie Stampley and looking up at the sign above the altar that says 'God is love'. Now my granddaughters, Khalia and Nyla Wilson sit in that same sanctuary with me and when they look up that same sign is hanging above the altar.

So many generations of families in the New Orleans and surrounding areas have worshiped in our historical church. The spiritual and emotional presence I feel when inside the church cannot be expressed in words. I remembering baptisms, weddings and homegoing celebrations of family and friends. The many Sunday worship services I shared with my mother, Mrs Carol Green and my siblings.

My husband and I have many conversations about the church's history and how culturally significant it is to New Orleans and the Christian community. We are so grateful our historic church is one of the finalists.

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MY FONDEST MEMORY
Submitted by biscuit,

my memory of St. James is seeing my sister Rev. Lela Henderson PREACH HER VERY 1ST SERMON

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