St James Episcopal Church

History of St. James Mission

 

In the spring of 1959, Barbara Smith and Tom Lillian approached the Rt. Rev. Clarence R. Haden, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California about organizing an Episcopal Mission in Lincoln, California.  Bishop Haden outlined the steps necessary, and plans were made for the conduct of services.  The first service was held in the Tyson residence, with The Rev. Gordon Cross, Rural Dean and Rector of St Matthew's Parish in Sacramento presiding.  Eventually, service and activities were divided between the homes of the Smith's and the Tyson's who were neighbors.  During this period services were conducted by Lay-readers and available clergy.

In 1959, the meetings were moved from the Smith/Tyson residences to the Lincoln Women's Club; services were held there until October 3, 1960.  In April of 1969, St. James was recognized as an Organized Mission by the Diocesan Convention.  Bishop Haden had already appointed the Rev. Stanley R. Sinclair as the first Vicar of St. James, effective January 3, 1960.

Father Sinclair left Lincoln for a new ministry in 1963 and supervision of the Mission's activities came under the direction of Lay-readers, chief of whom were USAF Gen. Russell Waldron (later ordained) and a Mr. Gardie.  The Rev. H Walter Whichard was appointed Vicar in May 1964.  He served in that capacity until June 12, 1966.

The Rev. John W. N. Crowther was appointed Vicar in September 1966, and served St. James Mission until October 29, 1972.  During the years of his ministry, the congregation moved it's activities to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and shared this facility until June 1969 when Miriam Martin willed her house to the Mission for use as a church.  The building was remodeled under the direction of Andy Lohner. Tom Tyson crafted the candle holders used in the new sanctuary constructed the reading desk and lectern.

In 1972 Father Crowther was followed by the Rev. Jerry Brown who served the Mission as Vicar for one year, and was followed by the Rev. George Gooderham, a retired priest living in Folsom, CA.  George, as he was lovingly referred, served St. James until Easter of 1979.  Rev. Gooderham was followed by The Rev. Robert L. Rhodes, who also served as the assistant to the Rector of St. John's in Roseville, CA.  Father Rhodes left St. James in July 1982 to take up full time duties as the Associate Rector of St. John's Parish.  During his ministry, he initiated the installation of a new ceiling in the worship area, as well as a new heating system.

On August 1, 1982, The Rev. Cannon Aldred L. Alley, a retired Air Force Chaplin (Colonel) to become the interim Chaplin of St. James Mission.  In January 1983, The Rt. Rev. John L. Thompson, Bishop of the Diocese of Northern California, appointed Cannon Alley Vicar of the Mission.

With the death of Cannon Alley, Bishop Jerry Lamb appointed The Rev. Emerson Methven Priest in Charge of St. James.  Father Methven served until his illness in 1999.  The Rev. Catherine M. Campbell was appointed Vicar and served until she received a call to serve in Virginia.  It was under Rev. Catherine's leadership that St. James purchased the home behind the church, and named it "Alley House" in  memory of Cannon Alley.  The Alley House is used as church offices and meeting rooms.

On April 23, 2006, St. James welcomed The Rev. William (Bill) Rontani as the current Vicar

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