St. James Church began on the battlefields of France during World War I, when the Reverend Otis Gray brought communion to a soldier and carried him to safety. The two men eventually found themselves in Wichita, KS where they met a group of Episcopalians and founded St. James Episcopal Church. You will find remnants of our history throughout this site.

The St. Stephens' Church building at the corner of East First Street and New York became the property of St. James Parish, and the first service of the Parish was held there July 18, 1920.

During September 1920, the building was moved to the first block on North Yale Street facing what was then Victor Place (134 N. Yale). It was located in the area between the present church and the Guild Hall.

With a choir, trained by The Rev. Otis E. Gray, and a reconditioned building, the first service at the Yale location was held October 10, 1920. There were 110 present at the services of the day.

Even more time-tested than our building are our means of worship, with roots dating back to 100 AD. However, we are a thinking church. We believe that God created humans with the ability to think, to ask questions, to doubt, and to disagree. Because of this, we open our doors to anyone and everyone who wishes to learn more about God.

The Rev. Otis E. Gray Clergy History

Original building moved to current location

St. James Church Present Day

This beautiful display case contains the Army Field Altar used by the Rev. Otis E. Gray. It was installed and blessed on July 9, 1958. It currently sits in the hallway near the chapel and sits beneath Rev. Gray's Chaplain's Flag. Notice that you can still see the blood stains on the flag. The Rev. Gray was Chaplain of the 353rd Infantry and later Chaplain of the 89th Division (1918-1919). Mr. Ray Frisbee designed the case and drew the blueprints free of charge as his personal contribution to this memorial. The case was given by Mrs. Edwin C. Porter Sr., and Mr. Edward C. Porter Jr. to the glory of God and in loving memory of the Rev. Mr. Gray.

St James' first organ, a gift from The Rev. Otis Gray. Reverend Gray used this organ in his chaplain services during World War I. It is currently located on the second floor of the church.

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; all else be nought to me, save that thou art; though my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, they presence my light.