Sacred Spaces

Next time you find yourself next to the exterior of the sanctuary, take a look at how precisely and tightly the bricks of our steeple still fit together, and how truly straight and clear-cut the dimensions and angles of the…

We understand that visitors and newcomers may be a bit lost during the service. Don’t worry, you are in good company.Many people sitting in the pews with you did not grow up in the Episcopal Church, but were drawn to…

Majestic If I could pick one word to describe our Nave/Sanctuary, it would be majestic. By definition, that means impressive or dignified.  It is that, but so much more.  Large, yes; imposing, definitely no. It is impossible to enter without…

When we moved into Michaux House several years ago, we were greeted by a beautiful gathering space, fittingly named Valentine Hall in honor of Henry and Peggy Valentine. With this month’s Chimes theme about Servant Sunday, it could not be…

One of the most sacred spaces at St. James’s is the Memorial Garden.  Sometimes, we casually walk through it, not even thinking about the significance of the space.  Other times, though, we pause, perhaps take a seat, and spend a…

Propter chorum (for the good of the choir) Drive down West Franklin St. past St. James’s on Wednesday or Thursday night. You’ll see lights burning brightly on the 2nd floor of Gibson Hall — the choir room.From the street you’ll…

Have you been in the Chapel for a service?  An evening prayer?  A wedding?  Eucharist?  If the answer is ‘Yes’, you understand the closeness of community when seated or when gathered at the Altar rail. Behind is the Alpha /…

The entry way to the church is called the narthex, a word that comes from the Greek for “small case.” Originally the enclosed vestibule or porch to a basilica, where penitents and catechumans stood during a service. St. James’s narthex…