St James United Church of Christ Saline, Michigan

On July 15, 1883, several Saline Township families began holding services in Benton School near Parson's sawmill. By 1884, these original few families had increased to 18 and they organized themselves as the United Evangelical St. Jakobus Congregation of Saline Township.

In the winter of 1884, the young church decided to erect a church building which was dedicated on September 27, 1885 to the glory of God.

Over the next century and a quarter, the church expanded its flock, a parsonage was built, a cemetery was dedicated, the church was painted in fresco, and stunning glass art windows were installed. The church was blessed with gifted and dedicated pastors (28 to be precise) who stood behind an old and later a new handcrafted pulpit. A Women’s Guild was formed, the Ice Cream Social was born, and kerosene lamps gave way to modern electrical appliances.

The church was affiliated with the Evangelical Synod of North America which merged to become the Evangelical and Reformed Church. St. Jakobus was slowly transformed to her current moniker and affiliation of St. James United Church of Christ.

These brief facts do not alone tell the history of St. James Church. Our main concern has been to provide a place where God could be satisfactorily praised and worshipped, a fellowship which would deepen the spiritual life of all...