St. James Church

Saint James Church Lake Delaware's mission is to serve God, strengthen families and individuals, and serve our community. We purpose to faithfully uphold the legacy of our founders and those before us by operating a Christian church in the Anglican Episcopal tradition. This includes offering programs and activities which care for the needs of others, both spiritually and practically.

Since 1914 we have wholeheartedly welcomed local folks and visitors of Bovina and the surrounding region to join us in song, service, worship, and prayer. Saint James Church Lake Delaware is an open and welcoming church. Our Sunday services feature modern liturgy, hymns and contemporary worship songs. 

At Saint James, we believe you are a part of a story that is bigger than your own and invite you to discover a spiritual community that extends throughout the world. We are a church that nurtures faith, meeting each person wherever they might be on their spiritual journey. We seek to inspire hope through Biblical preaching, teaching, and music that resonates with hearts, souls, and minds. We love to have fun and do ‘real life’ together – the ups and the downs – while growing in love with God and one another. Our prayer is that everyone who visits would experience a sense of God’s love for them, a deep peace uniquely found in Jesus, and a glimpse of wonder in the Holy Spirit. Whether you are passing through or looking for a church home, we look forward to meeting you! 

History: The Gerry family was hurrying to get to Saint John’s Church, Delhi in time for Sunday School when Commodore Gerry pointed to where Saint James would one day stand at the base of the Lake Delaware road. He said, “I wish there were a Church here, then your children would get to Sunday School on time.” Years later the Commodore's daughters, Angelica and Mabel, began a mission church in a leased small house and the first service was held on Palm Sunday, 1914. The Rt. Rev. Richard Nelson was present for the first Confirmation Service on Sunday, November 3, 1914.  Angelica Gerry hired the eminent architect, Ralph Adams Cram, of Boston, who designed the present Saint James Church, Parish Hall and Rectory. On Saint James’ Day, 1922, the Bishop Coadjutor-elect, George Ashton Oldham, laid the corner stone.