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RICH IN HISTORY
st. james’ episcopal church
The 200-year-old church connects to community via outreach programs.
St. James’ Episcopal Church in Boardman, which is celebrating its 200th year, holds the unique distinction of being the oldest established congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio.
The congregation appreciates the pioneering spirit of the first families of the church and its rich history so much so that a St. James Alcove has been established. It features early ecclesiastical artifacts including Hiram Yale pewter communion ware and a Bible that were gifts in the late 1820s from Episcopalians in Connecticut to the newly organized church in what was known as the Connecticut Western Reserve. The alcove is highlighted by a newly installed stained -glass window for the church patron, St. James the Apostle.
St. James’ part in the fabric of the history of what is now Boardman is treasured by its members. But what is just as important to the congregation today is its present and future. Recently, the Rev. Father Kelly Marshall, St. James’ rector; Jeff Downey, senior warden; Paula Ulicny, vestry member; and Sharyn Fees, communications ministry coordinator, met to discuss the church and its anniversary.
“We try to be responsive to the community. We want to be involved and relevant,” said Father Marshall. “As the emerging communities of Boardman, Canfield and Poland were formed, the church was in a central location.”
“The church was at the center of the community until the 1970s,” said Downey, alluding to the original location near the intersection of Market Street and Route 224. The historic church built in 1926, now known as St. James Meeting House, was moved to Boardman Park.
The church may not be located at the hub of the community, but it’s at the heart of the congregation. “It feels like a big family,” said Fees, a member for some 43 years. A recent illness limited her activities and she noted that “I missed this the most.”
She and Ulicny share a unique bond — they are among a handful of members who had worshipped at the historic St. James’. Ulicny, a member for 71 years, said, “The church has always made comfortable. It has been an important part of my life. And everything here is important to me.”
Not only is Ulicny tied to the church through her own membership, her ancestors, the Withers family, were a part of the church since the 1800s.
But Downey, a 10-year member, offers a perspective of a relative newcomer in the church rich in family legacies. “This church wants to include everyone,” he said. The phrase, “all are welcome,” listed prominently on the church Web site is not just a nice message. Downey said “all are welcome” is put into practice.
Downey said he felt that was evidenced by the position he has in the church as senior warden, who works directly with the rector and looks at the “overall picture.” Though he has not been a member a long time, the congregation entrusted him with an important position.
Father Marshall, who has been at St. James’ for six years, described the church as “the most fun place I’ve been.”
And as for the congregation, “happy, healthy and energetic” are the words he uses. “It’s diverse,” he added.
Father Marshall said that St. James’ welcomed former members of St. Rocco’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal churches, which closed. In the St. James’ Alcove, there is a historic statue of St. Rocco, which came from the namesake church. “Having the statue here is important to former members,” Ulicny said.
St. James’ also pays homage to St. Rocco during one of three special summertime services. The patron saint of the church is recognized during a special service July 25 and Mary Magdalene, July 22. A new stained-glass window in the small chapel at the church features Mary Magdalene, apostle, as its theme, and was given in memory of Mimi Wilson, a longtime member.
St. Rocco, known as the saint of healing, is honored Aug. 16. And on the Sunday closest to his feast day, former St. Rocco members lead preparations for a cavatelli dinner at St. James. St. Rocco was well-known for its Italian food.
The church reaches inside and outside its wall to be inclusive and welcoming.
Downey said as part of its outreach, St. James’ hosts about six community meals, one every other month.
“It’s for people in need ... of food or fellowship,” he said.
He also noted the church asked members to donate extra coats to be given away to those who need them. That project is in its second year.
Father Marshall said the blessing of animals, a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi who loved animals, is a popular and well-received event at the church and community. “It’s been a part of the life of the church for a long time,” he said, noting the blessings took place from the 1970s.
The blessing of animals has led to companion presentations with Canines for Compassion and Boardman’s K-9 unit. “Children of the parish are involved in collecting items on a wish list from two local shelters,” Father Marshall said.
Another popular holiday-related event is St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. The key figure is the original St. Nicholas, garbed in bishop’s robes.
St. James also has sponsored an employment services workshop in conjunction with the Public Library of Youngstown-Mahoning County and the counseling department at Youngstown State University. Father Kelly said the workshop was in response to the economy and unemployment. “We have to ask ourselves ... if we didn’t exist, would it matter?” He said by offering such programs to the community, the church stays relevant and responsive.
Fees said another vibrant aspect of the church is its strong music ministry and the church recently welcomed Frank Lynn as its new choir master and organist. “Music adds to the participatory nature of the services,” Fees said.
St. James’ also has a healing service on the third Sunday of the month.