Lutheran worship in Harper began in 1908 when the first missionary to the area, Rev. C. Stadler, arrived, and in April 1910 he confirmed the first class of Lutheran young people. When no missionary was assigned, pastors from neighboring congregations served, and services were held in Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian church buildings, in homes, and in the Harper Hotel when needed. The first Lutheran congregation was officially organized on Mar. 9, 1913, under the leadership of Rev. B. Schliefer. Mrs. Sophie Klein donated half of her lot on Main Street at the corner of what is now 4th Street for a church building, and the name St. James was chosen on Jan. 11, 1914. Built in the shape of a cross with a steeple modeled on traditional German churches, it was then Harper's largest church building, and it was dedicated on Jul. 26, 1914. Until 1918, German was used exclusively in the church. Over time, more land was purchased, annexes were built, and remodeling was completed. In 1943, the constitution was revised and the church affiliated with the American Lutheran Church, and the congregation later adopted a new constitution that eventually became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The church has long played a leading role in the community through groups and activities including a Women's Society, Young People's Group, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Brush Arbor Days, fundraising for the community help center, and many family, religious, and civic gatherings.