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Nestled in the Brookhaven and Buckhead neighborhoods of Atlanta, St. James United Methodist Church is a neighborhood church with a traditional worship style. We are a warm church where people know your name. We are an active church, serving not only our community but also those abroad. We invite you to attend any service, dinner, class, or activity listed on these pages.
St. James UMC is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Have questions about weddings, baptisms, funerals, columbarium, or facility rental?
Give us a call at (404) 261-3121
Park in the Loridans Drive lot to enter the sanctuary, church office, gym, and for deliveries. The lot facing Peachtree-Dunwoody is used for the Preschool.
District Superintendent Nat Long, with the support of Bishop Arthur J. Moore and the surrounding Methodist churches, commissioned four young students from the Candler School of Theology to begin consolidating interest in a new church mission.
By December of 1956, “the four young men” as they were called, had amassed enough support to begin a new congregation. They began regularly worshipping in the McClatchey Elementary School building and became known as The McClatchey Methodist Mission. Within weeks, they held their first charge conference and became officially chartered as St. James Methodist Church, with 111 members on the roll. At its second charge conference a year later, membership was reported to be 175. Thus began St. James’ tradition of evangelistic outreach to the community in the name of Christ.
The first structure was completed in 1960 and consisted of the Fellowship Hall, kitchen, offices, and Sunday school rooms. The second phase, completed in 1966, was the sanctuary, and the third addition was the Activity Building (completed in 1980). In 2001 the current administrative offices, library, parlor, and additional Sunday school rooms were added.
In 1974, St. James adopted the scallop shells as its official logo, reminding us of the legend of St. James from the early days of Spanish history. According to legend, St. James, the brother of Jesus, preached the gospel in Spain, but later returned to Jerusalem. After his martyrdom, his body was transported back to Spain. As the ship approached the shore, a horse and rider were seen onshore. The restless horse plunged into the sea to greet the ship but in a few moments appeared again onshore covered over with white-lined scallop shells. The rider, said to be a bridegroom, went joyfully on to his wedding. Thus, the scallop shell has always been the emblem of St. James.
Throughout its history, St. James United Methodist Church has found its purpose in worship, mission, and evangelism. Music has always been a very important part of the practice of Christian life at St. James. In fact, the choir was organized before the church was officially chartered. Evangelism and mission to the community and to the world at large have been faithfully practiced from the very beginning and continue to this day.
