About Us
The foundation of St. James Episcopal Church is relationship; to Jesus Christ, to each other, and to the world. Our foundational documents are the Holy Bible and The Book of Common Prayer. We know the scriptures are inspired by God, written in human history, and continue as a living word guiding our journey. Our worship reflects our doctrine: “Lex orandi, lex credendi”. As we pray, so we believe.
The Episcopal Church is a branch of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship of churches which trace their heritage to the Church of England. We bridge Protestant and Roman Catholic Christian expressions through sacramental worship and culturally relevant theological discussions.
Rector
Originally from Toledo, Ohio Rev. Rachel Jagielski Harrison became the rector of St. James in July of 2023.
Prior to receiving the call to ministry, she earned a B.S. from Ohio University in Communication Studies and Business management and spent several years working in her family’s small manufacturing business. In 2019 she received her M. Div from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas and was ordained to the priesthood in December 2019.
As a priest her ministry has included work with the unhoused and a focus on feeding ministries. Her passion in ministry is helping every person discover how they can best live out their individual Christian call to love and serve God.
Mother Rachel currently serves the Diocese of Ohio as a member of Diocesan Council, the Provence V Board, and as a leadership coach through the Leadership Coaching Project.
She recently celebrated her tenth wedding anniversary with her husband Will, a journalist and writer. They have four cats and would love nothing more than for you to ask to see pictures of them.
Mother Rachel does not keep set office hours, the best way to arrange an appointment is to call or text her at 419.704.7258 .
History
The history of St. James church is also the history of its people. There are countless memorials to faithful church members and rectors of St. James throughout the building and grounds.
Timeline
1824 — parish organized and admitted to the Convention. Met in parishioners’ homes until 1836.
1836 — small frame building with a modest bell tower was constructed on the present lot.
1866 — the cornerstone of the present church building, of Victorian gothic architecture, was laid. The beautiful stained glass windows were installed from 1886 to 1970.
1887-88 — the Victorian style chapel was built, originally intended as worship space for the parish’s children. It has been renovated several times, most recently in the mid 1980’s.
St. James Foundation
The Foundation is a separate corporate entity,
qualifying as a non-profit corporation,
incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio
in 1994. Its purpose is to provide long-lasting
endowment and support to enable St. James to
fulfill its missions. The Foundation endeavors to
administer its affairs so that expenditures will
always be responsive to the changing needs of an
active parish.
