Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church
5185 Castor Avenue - Philadelphia, PA 19124 - Phone - 215.743.1828 - Fax 215.743.9815
5185 Castor Avenue - Philadelphia, PA 19124 - Phone - 215.743.1828 - Fax 215.743.9815
Data on St. James
Located in the Northwood section of Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Sunday Services - 8:05, 9:20 and 11:00 a.m.
Pastor Paul A. Andell Officiating
Mission Statement
Jesus is LORD and SAVIOR of our church.
Therefore, as an Evangelical Lutheran Church, we are called to LIVE and SHARE the GOOD NEWS of GOD'S LOVE for ALL People.
The congregation was born on March 23, 1926, with an organizational meeting at the home of Mr. Walter Reese, 4713 Large Street. The first service of the new church occurred on April 11, 1926, in the store of Mrs. Louise Reiz, 5200 Saul Street.
On April 22, 1926, a congregational meeting occurred resulting in a decision to buy the plot of ground at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, where the church building now stands. The cornerstone was laid on October 21, 1926.
The congregation became self-supporting on January 1, 1929. A new main church building was added in 1956. The first service in the new church was May 6, 1957.
Pastors who have served our congregation are: The Rev. Theodore H. Ressler; Ira S. Fritz; Herman F. Gohn; Joseph L. Schantz, and Paul A. Andell, the present pastor, who is now in his 29th year of service both to the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church and to the community of Frankford.
Our present ministry is characterized by a commitment to the community, strong leadership, diverse worship formats and a range of programs for children, youth and adults.
81 years of gospel ministry , organized in 1926
An excellent music program and director
A dedicated staff and volunteers
A significant Hospitality Ministry
A vision for the future
Established Preschool for 34 years
Five worship opportunities weekly
Capable lay leaders which include 18 Stephen Ministers
Multicultural Makeup
450 households and baptized membership of 1,100
A marvelous facility - appraised value-5million dollars with worship center, classrooms and assembly rooms
A memorial garden
An Aid for Friends distribution site
Housing ministry partnership with Saint Martin of Tours
On half million dollar renovation in 2001
Convenient location just off the Roosevelt Boulevard, in Northwood
National Leadership as a WordAlone Congregation
Youth friendly with children's ministries
A community church which hosts scouting, senior, support groups and the Northwood Civic Association
Small Group Bible Study
Saint James...A growing'can do' congregation 'Where everybody is Somebody and Jesus is Lord'.
We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing towards it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road.
---Martin Luther
