Local Episcopalians organized this congregation on Oct. 30, 1876, at the Marquand Hotel, and the first parish meeting was held April 2, 1877. Citizens of all faiths contributed funds for the first church building, which was erected on property donated by the Texas & Pacific Railroad. A second edifice, built in 1893-94, was altered and enlarged in 1910 and 1926. St. James established or supported at least seven other churches in this area and pioneered aid to the elderly and other community services.