St. James Episcopal Church (New London, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James Church |
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(2022)
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 St James Church
Location in Connecticut
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| 41°21.3′N 72°5.9′W / 41.3550°N 72.0983°W | |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal Church |
| Website | St James Church New London |
| History | |
| Status | Parish Church |
| Founded | June 6, 1725 |
| Dedication | James, son of Zebedee |
| Consecrated | June 11, 1850 |
| Events | Burned on September 6, 1781 during the Battle of Groton Heights |
| Past bishop(s) | Samuel Seabury |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | National Register of Historic Places |
| Designated | July 21, 2004 |
| Architect(s) | Richard Upjohn |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | November 3, 1847 |
| Construction cost | $60,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | New Jersey Red Sandstone |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Seabury |
| Diocese | Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut |
| Province | Province 1: New England |
St. James Episcopal Church is a special old church located in New London, Connecticut. You can find it at 76 Federal Street, right on the corner of Huntington Street. The church community started way back in 1725. The building you see today is actually their third church! It was built between 1847 and 1850. A famous architect named Richard Upjohn designed it in a style called Gothic Revival.
Because it's so important, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This means it's a protected historical site.
Contents
A Look Back: History and Design
The First Church Building
The St. James community began on June 6, 1725. Their very first church was a wooden building. It opened in 1732 on New London's Parade.
A fun story from that time tells of a Native American chief. He shot an arrow into the golden ball at the top of the church's steeple. The arrow stayed there until the church was destroyed in 1781.
During the American Revolution, some church members were loyal to the British King. Church services stopped for a few years because people disagreed about praying for the King. In 1778, the church decided that only pastors who prayed for the American Congress could lead services. The church was later burned down on September 6, 1781. This happened during the Battle of Groton Heights, when British forces attacked New London. The British leader was Benedict Arnold, who was from nearby Norwich.
Bishop Samuel Seabury
After the American Revolution, Samuel Seabury became the first bishop of the Episcopal Church (United States). He was made a bishop in Scotland on November 14, 1784. Bishop Seabury returned to New London in 1785 and became the leader of St. James Church.
He passed away in New London on February 25, 1796. You can find his burial place in Hallam Chapel, which is in the lower part of St. James Church. There's also a special monument, called a cenotaph, designed by architect Richard Upjohn, inside the church. His original grave stone is outside, on the north side of the church, covered by a copy.
The Second Church Building
A new church building was opened on September 20, 1787. This church was located near where the Salvation Army building is today in New London. Bishop Seabury led services in this building. As the church community grew in the mid-1800s, it became clear they needed an even bigger building.
The Current Third Church
This building is the one you see today. It was designed by the English-born architect Richard Upjohn. He created it in the Gothic Revival style, which looks like old European cathedrals. The first stone was laid on November 3, 1847. The church was officially opened on June 11, 1850.
The church has a cross shape, with parts sticking out on the north and south sides. It also has a very tall bell tower on the northwest corner. St. James is a great example of Upjohn's building style. It's interesting that St. James was started just a year after Upjohn finished designing the famous Trinity Church (Manhattan) in New York City. Some people didn't like the "Moorish" design of the roof inside St. James, but people in New London really liked it.
The Rectory
The rectory, where the church's leader lives, is on Huntington Street. It's one of four Greek Revival style houses built between 1835 and 1845. These houses are known as Whale Oil Row. This row of buildings is very special in Connecticut. It shows how wealthy people lived who worked in the whaling industry long ago.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
The church has many amazing stained glass windows. They tell stories and add beautiful colors to the building.
Henry E. Sharp Windows
The first stained glass windows, including the one behind the altar, were put in in 1850. People believe they were designed by the Henry E. Sharp Studio in New York. Many of these original windows have been replaced over the years. However, some grisaille style windows, which use mostly gray and white colors, are still there.
Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows
Starting in 1910, six of the original windows were replaced. These new windows were made by the famous Tiffany Studio in New York. The large Tiffany windows in the north and south parts of the church are amazing examples of this art. The south window shows three saints: Sebastian, Joseph (holding baby Jesus), and Francis. It remembers three members of the Lawrence family. The north window shows the Holy Family. It was given in memory of Lyman Allyn. The money for these beautiful Tiffany windows came mostly from the whaling business.
J&R Lamb Studios Window
The Mansfield Memorial Window was put in in 1922 by J&R Lamb Studios. It remembers two friends who died in World War I. Jack Morris Wright was 19 when he died flying in France on January 24, 1918. His friend, Richard Mansfield 2nd, also 19, joined the army after hearing about Jack's death. Richard died in an army training camp a few months later on April 3, 1918. Richard was the son of famous actors Richard and Beatrice Mansfield.
The window shows the Archangel Michael with his sword behind two aviators (pilots). The bottom of the window has a quote from the Bible: "They shall mount up with wings as eagles." Jack Morris Wright's mother published his letters from France in a book called "Poet of the Air." In one letter, Jack wrote to Richard: Therefore, in urging you, I also am warning you; but once in the game, you'll find that usually death serves as a stimulant to the vitality of life and daring of flying.
Bishop Seabury Window
This window was installed in 1962. It shows different parts of Bishop Samuel Seabury's life. The top part has symbols of the Episcopal Church and the two Scottish Diocese of Aberdeen and Moray churches that helped make Seabury a bishop. Other parts of the window show:
- Seabury being chosen as bishop.
- His special ceremony as bishop in Aberdeen, Scotland.
- His first time confirming people in the church.
- A typical sailing ship from his time.
- The second St. James Church, where he was the leader.
The Church Organ
The church has a special organ made by Ernest M. Skinner in 1913. It is called Opus 220. A rich man named Commodore Morton Plant gave it to the church to remember his wife, Nellie. This organ has 43 sets of pipes and 2680 pipes in total! Some changes were made to its sound in 1952. It was repaired in 2002. The modern part of the organ where the musician plays can be moved. It is placed in the middle of the choir area for concerts. The church even has yearly silent movie showings with live organ music!
Helping the Community
The St. James church community helps the people of New London in many ways.
- They offer a shelter for people who are homeless.
- They provide a free community meal, taking turns with other local churches.
- They have "The Jumble Shoppe," which sells low-cost clothing and household items.
The church's music program is also very important. Groups like The Anglican Singers and the Eastern Connecticut Children's Choir perform there. St. James also has a special friendship with St. Margaret's of Scotland church in Aberdeen, Scotland.
See also
