Saint James United Methodist Church, Stoneham, MA

Saint James United Methodist Church, Stoneham, MA

Pillars & Foundations was created as an exploration of communities as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share my experiences, and spread the positivity I obtain from them. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.

Building & History

Saint James United Methodist Church stands near Stoneham common with a stucco exterior, American Gothic accents, a bell tower that has crenellations similar to a castle, copper accents on the peak of the roof, stunning stained glass windows which can be seen even outside the building, and an exterior surrounded by greenway. It strikes me as a unique building, and I can't help wonder if there is stone under the stucco, or if it is a wood structure made to appear as though it may be stone.

The inside of the church has a very warm appearance with the dark woodwork of the pews, wainscoting, roof and beams in the nave. This contrasts on the off-white walls and lighter hardwood floor throughout. Kneelers flank the chancel giving it an Anglican/Episcopal feeling. I was told that these are no longer used, however they are a nice decorative accent. The windows are quite beautiful with earth tones that add to a feeling that you might be in the midst of an old British countryside. Mind you, this is a feeling of an American that has not seen much of such countryside.  

The church was established in 1858, however gatherings, and specifically Methodist sermons began in unofficial locations as early as 1855. The church itself was built in 1868, and the spire was completed in 1870. A good resource on the history is a set of interviews of a former minister during the 1970s, Rev. Bruce Eastman Berry. A couple of items of note from the interview is that the locals used to refer to the area of the church as "church square," due to several churches in close proximity. Additionally it was noted that a small chapel which seats about 50 people, and is called the Chapel of Peace, was added around 1940. 

The Congregation

Members of Saint James UMC are proud and passionate about their service. One such member shared memories of the church through the years, and admirably described Pastor Casey who has only been with the church for approximately a year. Pastor Casey and her husband David Alexandre spoke of ongoing studies at Boston University, a traditionally Methodist school, where they were learning various aspects about the church as well as attending a pastoral licensing activity. After the service I had a pleasant conversation with David where he told me about there efforts at Saint James, but also his home church in Saugus, Family United Methodist, which performs its service in Portuguese. 

The angels in the right window are unique, the expressions are interesting. 

The Service

As I arrived Pastor Casey was practicing singing the hymns with musical accompaniment from a guest, Jeferson Zeferino. I sat their enjoying the warm ups as the pastors' children giggled chasing each other around the pews.

The opening hymn was the classic "How Great Thou Art," and today, something struck me so that I actually audibly sang, after all this one is so familiar and packs such exuberance, how could I not? Other songs sang, How Great is Our God, Lead Me to the Cross, and O Come to the Altar were beautifully performed, and some congregants swayed as the notes reverberated through the sanctuary. The service and these performances can be seen on Saint James UMC's Facebook page. Live performances are always the best, and you can be an active participant, so if one likes to sing passionately this church could be an excellent fit.

The reading was from Leviticus 17:11 which states, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life." Pastor Casey spoke a bit to the symbolism of this, how it was historically recognized as a source of life, and we know it today as something that can nourish and restore. Additonally Luke 17:3-4 was mentioned as it highlights the importance of rebuking the sinner, and if they repent, that one should forgive them so that they have a chance to start new and correct past wrongs.

The large round window is quite stunning in person, I was told it is the window that the church tends to be most proud of, having relatively recently gone through a refurbishing.

Note the musical equipment. Saint James UMC makes music a major part of the service. Pastor Casey herself is a very talented vocalist.

Outreach

Saint James is a small congregation, however this does not deter it from engaging in creative activities intended to reach to the community around them and enrich it. One such activity was a recent Family Reunion Service and Luncheon which was held in May. As Pastor Casey and Pastor David both are pastors, and are also husband and wife, it makes for a uniquely qualified team to deliver such an event. It also provides social events to congregants throughout the year such as various meals as can be seen in their Facebook feed.

Text and photographs by George Parks

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