Our History

HISTORY OF SAINT JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, FRANKFORD

Organized on March 23, 1926, with only 17 people, Saint James Lutheran Church grew, through the vision of its leadership, to become a landmark church at the corner of Castor and Pratt Sts.

Over its 98 years, its dynamic ministries have served many thousands of people, in Frankford and the northeast, offering hospitality to the community through its excellent preschool, scouting and youth programs, seniors groups, music and theater, numerous AA and NA support groups, civic and multi-cultural activities, and many weekly worship opportunities.

Saint James has benefited from the talented leadership of six pastors, including Joseph A. Schantz, who led the congregation in three building expansions, from 1948 – 1975, and Paul A. Andell, under whose leadership the church developed a stronger community presence, from 1975 – 2011.

Although its ministries ceased briefly in 2019, Saint James rebounded with new and dedicated leadership in June of 2020, committed to serving, with excellence, future generations of city residents in the name of Jesus Christ.