WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

St. James Episcopal Church was established in Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1861. St. James is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion. We are a family-size parish and the only Episcopal Church in two counties. We are Eucharistic centered, generous to the Diocese, the community, the parish, and each other. Our primary ministry to the community is the operation of our thrift shop, in operation for fifty-five years, and manned mostly by volunteers.
One of the most photographed buildings in the county, our beautiful Gothic Revival church is over one hundred and fifty years old. Listed on the National Trust of Historic Places, it is located on a lovely wooded lot at the edge of the Bedford Historic District. The campus consists of the church building, a rectory, and the parish hall.
Downtown Bedford is accredited as a national main street program. With roots tracing back to the French and Indian War, Bedford boasts world class lodging, dining, and shopping. It is an active tourist destination, located near major highways, (I99, I76, and I70) with easy access to the major metropolitan cities of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Bedford’s picturesque rural location makes it a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and skiing. It is close to State and National Parks, Bedford Springs, White Sulphur Springs, and boasts two theaters, museums, an art gallery, and The Pennsylvania Consort which brings world class musicians to the area. Bedford County is popular as a retirement location, due to its ease of access, affordable housing and modest cost of living.

The following section provides a view of our parish life:
Acolytes: Usually, acolytes are young persons who process as crucifers and torch bearers. Due to our membership of older adults, the Eucharistic Minister serving that day also acts as crucifer.

Altar Guild: A small group of dedicated women work quietly behind the scenes to prepare the altar for services. Under the direction of the rector, the care for the vestments, linens, and vessels; clean and maintain the altar and chancel, and deliver flowers to the homebound.

Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Worship Leaders: Parishioners serve as lectors for the Reading of Scripture and lead the recitation of the Psalm. Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist with Communion. Eucharistic Visitors are sent forth by the congregation, at the end of the service, to deliver Communion to the homebound. Worship leaders preside over Morning Prayer on the rare occasion that clergy is not present to preside over Holy Eucharist.

Organ: The Allen two-manual electronic organ is played at each service.

Ushers: The ushers greet worshipers, collect the offering, and provide other forms of assistance before, during, and after the service.

Worship Services: A single weekly service is held on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. celebrating Holy Eucharist: Rite II. This is a traditional service with organ and hymns mostly from the 1982 Hymnal. Although we do not have a choir, the congregation is musically inclined and participates in the singing of the hymns. Holy Eucharist: Rite I is used during penitential seasons of the church year. Special services are held as appointed throughout the year.

WHERE WE WANT TO GO

Currently, we face the challenge of an aging congregation and without new members eventually we will cease to exist. We look to our new rector for guidance as we prayerfully look for ways to attract and welcome new members to our parish family.
St. James is a small community which has survived a number of struggles that has forged a sense of family that is St. James. We want this to continue as we grow. Further, we must find ways to engage everyone to become involved and ensure all feel a sense of belonging. Activities during the year: parish brunches before the annual meeting, for clergy appreciation Sunday, and after the greening of the church for Christmas; and weekly coffee hour hosted by parish members are opportunities for social interaction. We also want to continue to be a viable outreach ministry to the community by way of our Thrift Shop and support of the county food pantry.
Over the last several years, Christian education was lacking. Our Interim Rector, Fr. Patrick Pierce instituted an adult education program following Sunday services. We want this to continue, to increase our participation in Diocesan training, and expand spiritual renewal.
During a vestry retreat this year, ideas for St. James to be more connected to the community, such as newspaper articles, flyers for the Thrift Shop, new website, and monthly visits to residents of a local retirement home were enacted.
Financially, there are substantial endowments for a parish of our size. However, our current income goes to meet existing expenses. Many of our congregation is retired and living on fixed incomes. Recent loss of parish members due to death, has contributed to concern over our financial stability. This puts us in a position of only being able to seek quarter time clergy. We must try to increase our financial stability by raising pledges, obtaining new endowments through planned giving, and exploring more fund raising initiatives.

OUR HISTORY

Prior to the organization of the parish, services were held by military chaplains, and later by priests and Bishops visiting Bedford Springs. The first documented Anglican service held in Bedford (then Raystown) in 1758 by the Rev. Thomas Barton, Chaplain to Col. Henry Bouquet’s force that build Forbes Road to Fort Duquesne. Later, attempts to form a permanent organization were unsuccessful until 1860.
The Episcopal parish of St. James was chartered in 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War. Construction of our beautiful grey stone Gothic Revival edifice began on August 16, 1866 with the laying of the cornerstone, accompanied by great pomp and ceremony. Construction was completed in 1873. Although the parish covered the entire county, there were very few members. Raising funds for the church building was a tremendous undertaking. Teas, rummage sales, and flower shows held by the Ladies’ Aide Society, helped the cause. The building was not consecrated, until it was free of debt, on October 2, 1879 by Rt. Rev. M.A. DeWolfe Howe, bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, in which the parish of St. James still belongs. The stone and brick rectory was completed in 1884, and the grey brick parish hall in 1957.
Many clergy served the congregation over the years, beginning with the Rev. Alfred Barrow from 1865 to 1869 to the Rev. Patrick Pierce who is currently serving as our interim rector. The size and financial stability of the congregation ebbed and flowed depending on the business and industrial opportunities of the area. Surrounded primarily by a farming community, as industry moved to and from the area, so did the people of the parish.
The consecration of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003, created a riff within the parish. Those opposed to an openly gay person being consecrated a bishop split from the parish, resulting in turmoil and pain for those remaining. Those who stayed engaged in prayer, trusted in the leadership of the diocesan bishop, and faithfully depended on God’s plans for the parish. Determined to keep the parish going, good communication, fellowship, understanding and true love for one another created a strong bond which remains today.
During a church building review in 2014, it was discovered that among other things, the bellcote was out of plumb by at least 3% and leaning toward the roof of the nave. The vestry moved quickly and repairs to the bellcote were undertaken and completed in 2015. Since then the parish has undertaken several fund raisers to underwrite additional needed repairs including new copper flashing, gutter and downspout replacement, stone repair, and mortar restoration.