In November 1863, twelve free
black members of First Church left that congregation and started meeting
outside the city limits on Hart’s Island Road. They soon formed a
society and met in private homes. They were led by Rev. T.G. Montgomery
and Rev. River Landry. They met in the home of Mrs. Mariah Boyd on
June 8, 1866. Rev. R.K. Diossy called the church Boyd’s Chapel.
In 1867, three lots were purchased
on Lake Street for $250. The church was renamed St. James in April
and Rev. John Boyd was appointed as pastor.
In 1874, a new structure was
built on Lake Street under the leadership of Rev. S.F.H. Morant.
After the church was burned down in 1898, it was rebuilt the following
year under the leadership of Rev. James O. Brown.
Rev. J.C. Calvin was appointed
in 1948 and assigned the task of relocating the church. Six lots
on the 1600 block of Garden Street were purchased the following year, but
there was resistance from nearby white land owners. In 1951, the
church bought the Central Christian Church on 850 Hope Street for $75,000.
The Day Care Center began that same year.
The church parsonage at 945
Lewis Place was purchased in1962 under the leadership of Rev. John L. King.
In 1971, St. James hosted the
final Louisiana Annual Conference B gathering. The following year
Rev. John D.V. Hamilton led the church in purchasing, a lot next to the
church, purchasing a new organ, and repairing the education building.
Stained glass windows were consecrated in 1994. A marker was placed
on the Snow Street side of the church in 1995, recognizing the church’s
listing in the National Historical Registry. |
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