St. James Episcopal Church

St. James Parish, once known as "Greeneville Parish, Greene Co.", was admitted to the Convention of the Diocese of Tennessee in 1848. A small group of faithful people had been organized in their labors for the Kingdom of Christ in Greeneville since 1842. With the participation of several visiting clergy, they were able to reach the point of acceptance as a parish at the Diocesan convention in July of 1849. The present church building was completed in 1850, modified in 1894, and enlarged in 1951. The structure is one of the oldest unaltered churches in the State of Tennessee.

From 1852 to 1901, St. James shared with our nation a time of great turbulence, culminating in an 18-month closing of our church in 1873. During this difficult period, the church reverted to a mission and did not regain parish status until 1957. Wars, financial panics and the Great Depression consumed our nation during this period. It is a tribute to those leading St. James that we were able to regain our parish status and to continue with the eventual addition of a chapel, parish hall, and rectory.

We cherish our historic building as it embodies the dedicated spirit of past generations of members. But we also recognize that a church is made up of more than bricks and mortar, that the real future of St. James will be built upon the people who are truly St. James Parish.

(Note: The above text is a compilation taken from various historical documents, church bulletins and programs, and related sources.)

 painted by

Sister Mary Veronica, C.S.M (Community of St. Mary) circa 1950.