St James Methodist Church - Augusta, GA - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

Between 1798 and 1856, Augusta, Georgia had only one Methodist Church —known as the Augusta Station (or Methodist Station).

In 1854, the church recognized the need for a second location to serve the rapidly growing population in the lower eastern part of the city (now known as the Olde Town Historical District). With great reluctance to divide the congregation, they nevertheless voted to establish a second church.

In 1855, the property at 439 Greene Street was purchased, a church building erected, and in 1856 the 'Methodist Station' became two churches, St. John and St. James.

As St. James’ Sunday School and choir grew in popularity and size, renovations were made to accommodate the growth.

In 1886-1887, a belfry was added, and the church was greatly enlarged to its present Gothic structure.

In 1895, the magnificent Hook & Hastings Pipe Organ was purchased at the Atlanta exposition for $3,000. It was dismantled, shipped by rail, and delivered by horse-drawn wagon to St. James, where it was reassembled. Although the 'Hook & Hastings' was replaced with an Austin 3-manual electric powered pipe organ in 1950, the beautifully toned pipes from the 'Hook & Hastings' still grace the Sanctuary today.

Mercifully, the great fire of 1916 that destroyed so much of Augusta skipped St. James, although many parishioners’ homes were burned to the ground. Despite personal losses, the congregation voted to build a brick parsonage beside the church. Today this structure serves as the Ministry Building, housing the church offices along with Methodist Family Services.-St. James Methodist History

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1856 Age of Church building determined by?: Church website If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 11:00 AM Street address of Church: 439 Greene St. Augusta, GA USA 30901 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Not listed If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed

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