Archive | Sacred Spaces

You walk past them every Sunday on your way to coffee hour or for a Wednesday night dinner or for a celebration in Valentine Hall. You may even stop and sit to reflect on the day or just have a quiet moment before becoming completely engaged in an activity in the Michaux House. (more…)

Most days, the Parish House is a center of buzzing activity.  There is a steady flow of people and visitors with constant interaction with the staff and clergy. (more…)

We’ve just experienced a glorious Feast, The Taste of St. James’s is next week, and before you blink, Mardi Gras will be here. Between all of these “major” events, (more…)

Next time you find yourself next to the exterior of the sanctuary, take a look at how precisely and tightly the bricks still fit together, and how truly straight and clear-cut the dimensions and angles of the walls remain after 105 years of wind and water and engine exhaust and gravity. (more…)

We understand that visitors and newcomers may be a bit lost during the service. Don’t worry, you are in good company. (more…)

In many ways, the Sacristy is central to our worship service. Each Saturday, the faithful Altar Guild scurries around the Sanctuary from their hub, the Sacristy.  (more…)

Majestic If I could pick one word to describe our Nave/Sanctuary, it would be majestic.  (more…)

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.  (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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.  (more…)

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. (more…)