St James History

The St. James Congregation had its beginnings on Colonial Long Island, about 1725, in Bloomfield, later to be called Pearsalls Corners, and finally Lynbrook. The early group depended on a "Circuit Rider" who would serve a wide area and come when he was able, for worship, the rite of baptism, marriage and funerals. In 1790, a Meeting House was built on land given by Isaac Denton, at the junction of Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue, present site of the Rockville Cemetery. In 1814, a schoolhouse was added, and in 1817, a larger structure replaced the meeting house and became known as the Sand Hole Church.

Prosperous years followed and another building was deemed necessary, which brought about a dispute that came to be known as the Rockaway Church War. There was a three-way split, one group staying with the Sand Hole, another establishing St. Marks Methodist Church in Rockville Centre, the third becoming St. James in Lynbrook.

Wright Pearsall gave a piece of land at the corner of Washington Place (later to be changed to St. James Pl) and Forest Avenue, and a chapel was built in 1873, which evolved into a beautiful edifice with a landmark spire that dominated the area - this lovely building unfortunately burned to the ground on January 12, 1925. 

With incredible speed, the congregation rallied to build a new church, and the cornerstone for the present building was laid on September 20, 1925. 

The Ladies Aid Society, which consisted of the "Rainbow Circles", pledged $35,000, which they raised in four years in many innovative ways. In the forties, this group became known as The Women's Society for Christian Services, and in 1970 became the United Methodist Women. The United Methodist Women became inactive and in 1999 "Women for St. James" came into being. 

St. James is in the center of the community of Lynbrook, a friendly, active town east of New York City. St James was selected to be a Vision 2000 church helping worldwide Methodism plan for the next century. We gather for Worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays, during which there is a nursery for infants and toddlers. Sermons are biblically based, with application to everyday living, focusing on spiritual, personal and global concerns.  Music is important at Worship with a Chancel choir, enhanced by a 2,000-piece pipe organ. Children join their parents at Worship, then depart for our growing Christian education program at 10 a.m. 

St. James is a friendly congregation.  Following the Worship Service, members and visitors greet one another at the Fellowship Hour.  Adult Bible Study, a Prayer Group, plus a Harvest Fair called the best on Long Island, are part of the busy St. James schedule. 

St. James is a community of faith, involved with missions such as the Far Rockaway Center, Ronald McDonald House and Anchor House. We also have several weekly support groups in our Church. 

An exciting part of our Evangelistic Ministry is evident in our Thrift Shop. It is open 4 days of the week: Wednesday through Saturday.  

Many folks have experienced care in welcoming people who volunteer there. Many who came seeking help have stayed to worship with us and have experienced God's loving spirit. 

We celebrate the presence of a loving God whom we know through Jesus Christ. We are a Church for those who seek inspiration for living, spiritual growth, and a caring community.