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1883-1919
Among
the early settlers by 1870 in the little frontier village of Fergus Falls were
George F. Cowing, Jacob Austin and George Head. These men played an active part
in the organization of Saint James’ Parish.
In 1872 the first Episcopal Church Service in Fergus Falls was held in June. The
Rev. George Stewart came on horse back from Sauk Center. Jacob Austin proposed
erecting a church building.
While on his way to White Earth the Bishop Whipple stopped here on August 5th.
He held the second service. He was Minnesota’s first Episcopal Bishop.
Committees were appointed to secure a site and subscriptions for a church
building.
1881- These past years services were held in homes and in the Presbyterian and
Congregational Churches.
A site for the church building was secured in the Oak Grove at the head of Court
Street on the south shore of Lake Alice. Mr. George Head gave the land.
1882 The Episcopal Church building was erected during the summer and fall at a
cost of $2500.00.
The first service was on Christmas Day.
The Weekly Journal states- “The decorations in the new church were most tasteful
and beautiful; the special service very impressive, with an eloquent sermon by
the Rev. Mr. Nash.
1883- The church was enlarged.1884- St. James’ Episcopal Parish was legally
incorporated.
1886- The Rev. Samuel Mills resided in a house on Broadway belonging to the
Lowry Brothers
1887 The young people of the Parish organized under the “Guild of St. Faith.
The house on Broadway burned. The Parish records were destroyed with names of
people and accounts of early events hopelessly gone.
1892- A pipe organ costing $1,200.00 was dedicated in May.
1895- The congregation included 40 families.
1919- On a sweltering hot Sunday, June 22nd a tornado wrought destruction and
death in Fergus Falls. St. James’ was completely destroyed, the frame of the
building being reduced to kindling. The bell was tossed into Lake Alice. The
Altar Cross was retrieved from the debris and is still a focal point of the
church.
1921-Plans were made for a new church building.
1922- The cornerstone of the present church was laid on April 9th. The building
was Consecrated (free of debt) on December 31. This was forty years and one week
after the first service in the first frame building on this site.
Through out the following
years St. James’ was very active. Including The Girl’s Friendly Society, Church
Vestry, Altar Guild, ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Church Choir
1998- The new Christian educational wing was completed. Much of the work was
done by church members.