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The St. James Baptist Church was organized in 1927 with a small group of people spiritually led by Rev. Thomas Cambriege. The meeting was held in the home of Sis. Sarah Bookman. Rev. Cambriege led the congregation only a short period of time. Following his resignation, the Rev. A. L. Winn became pastor of the church and served until his death in 1944.
Church services were then moved to a spot at Red River St. and Northwestern Ave. under a tree. Later, the small membership was moved to Midway St. where worship services were held under a tent on the property of Sis. Wanetta Winn Walker, located at 1102 Midway. Shortly after, this property was purchased and a small wooden frame building was erected.
Upon the death of Rev. A. L. Winn, the Rev. R. B. Canady was called as pastor of the church. The church increased in number. In 1950, the Rev. O. W. Henry was called to pastor. The membership grew to the extent that expansion was necessary. The old building was moved to the rear of the property where held until a new building was completed, which was the second building.
In September 1953, Rev. E. M. Franklin, the fifth pastor of the St. James Baptist Church, was called and immediately expanded the deacon board and increased the auxiliaries of the church. Due to the tremendous growth of our church membership, our church was remodeled. It became evident through growth and challenges that this church would have to move again.
The Urban Renewal Agency of Austin, Texas, purchased our property at 1102 Midway Street, enabling us to move proudly to the beautiful site at the corner of East Nineteenth (changed to East Martin Luther King Blvd) and Redwood Avenue (changed to E. M. Franklin Ave.), on Sunday, August 17, 1969.
The church membership experienced rapid growth so much that if you did get to church by 10:45, you could not be guaranteed a seat. The need for a larger edifice was now a reality. In 1978, the church was enlarged and remodeled.
In 1984, plans were drawn and preparation was made for a new edifice. The church was out of debt and ready to build the Lord a bigger and better worship place.
Two houses and two lots were bought and paid in full. In 1986, the completion of a new edifice at 1812 E. M. Franklin Ave, was made a reality, and was paid for in less than 10 years.
Rev. Franklin was pastor until his death in 1992. Rev. Dr. B. W. McClendon was called in 1993 as pastor, where he serves to this day. And continuing in the spirit of the history of this church, we are now endeavoring to turn St. James into a campus that will better serve our congregation and our community. Under the leadership of Dr. McClendon, the congregation has had unprecedented growth in membership.
The need for more space was needed so ground breaking ceremony was held on June 27, 2004 for a new 2500 seat worship center with 31 class rooms! And on March 5, 2006 Pastor McClendon led his congregation into the new six million dollar worship center with a month long "March Gladness Celebration". St. James under the leadership of Pastor McClendon stands ready to do even more for the kingdom and to be a beacon of light in Austin and Texas and the nation.
Yes, the Lord has done and is doing great things for us. But the best is yet come!
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