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 ABOUT US

  • We believe that God loves you-- no exceptions.

  • We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, life-giving God.

  • Everyone is a child of God.

  • All are welcome-- we mean that!

  • We are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

  • We endeavor to not be judgy people.

  • We know everyone is on a journey with God.

  • We take our baptismal commitments seriously.

  • Everyone deserves dignity and respect as a child of the Almighty.

  • The majority of us came from other Christian denominations.

  • The Bible and Book of Common Prayer guide our life in common.

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Vicar

The Reverend David Angus+

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Fr. Angus obtained his Master of Divinity at Iliff School of Theology, Denver Colorado in 1994.  He completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Kansas, 1997.  Prior to St. James, he clinically directed community-based mental health services for children and families.  He loves to hike, garden, sing, cook, and laugh.

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Office

Carol Belt

 

Carol keeps our office running smoothly.   She answers the phone, takes messages, relays them forward, manages our finances, prints our materials, and so much more.  She loves to knit, play the guitar, sing in the choir and helps to host our Taize services.   She is retired from the Air Force as a Meteorologist.  

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Organist

John Wiley

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John has played the organ for St. James since 2010.   He started playing in third grade and later studied pipe organ at Arkansas Tech University.  He has played for Southern Baptist churches for over half of his 50 years of service to the church.  He plays at principal services, weddings, and funerals.  He is an avid painter and loves antiques.  

History

First Eureka Springs Church
 
The congregation of St. James' Church was the first church congregation to be organized in Eureka Springs--just two years after the town of Eureka Springs was incorporated in 1883.  Organization occurred through the efforts of the Reverend J. J. Vaulx of Fayetteville, Arkansas, who held services once a month for several years.  During this period, a frame chapel was built on Mountain Street.  Regular organization was effected on September 15, 1887.  The Rev. D. S. C. M. Potter, D. D., assumed charge of St. James on December 14, 1887.

From Classroom to Nave

In January 1889, when the new brick schoolhouse was built, St. James' parish was presented the old Cromer school building; the present-day home for St. James' congregation.  The building was remodeled and became a permanent home for the congregation.  During this time, the city was at the height of prosperity and St. James was a thriving parish.  St. James' Church was formally consecrated on Holy Innocents Day 1913.

Hard Times

The town declined in population after the first World War and regular services at St. James' declined with it.  With no resident priest and no regular services, the church deteriorated until 1946.  In 1947, a handful of faithful Episcopalians, many of whom had recently moved to Eureka Springs, gave time, talent, and treasure to recondition the dilapidated church.  In 1948, the diocese instituted a resident priest at St. James.

Devastation and Renewal

On August 24, 1962, a disastrous fire ravaged the church, completely destroying the pipe organ (the second oldest in Arkansas), the rood screen, a portion of the building, and most of the furnishings.  Fortunately, the loss was partially covered by insurance.  On September 12, 1962, the congregation decided to rebuild the church, meanwhile holding services at a temporary chapel at Lake Lucerne.  On Easter Day, April 14, 1963, the first service was held in the renovated church.

Church Improvements

The church building was enlarged in 1983 when a larger sacristy and an undercroft kitchen were added.  The Lane House, also called St. James' House, was returned to being administrative offices in 2004.  This house was a gift to the parish in the 1960s and for quite some time was used for youth outreach.  The gardens have been maintained and improved more than once in the last 50 years.

Today

  The congregation has grown significantly in the past few decades.  We continue to serve the community by hosting an annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel.  We have continued to feed the community with Sunday Suppers throughout the Winter months.  Many of our members gladly volunteer around the area to take the Gospel out beyond our walls and famous red doors.   This is a little community that strives to love God and love our neighbor.    May God bless you for being here!
 

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