Lutheran missionaries began their work in Lafayette in 1848. The formal organization of the church and school was on September 29, 1850. St. James was originally located on Ferry Street near 9th Street. Growth of the congregation led to its present location at 800 Cincinnati Street in 1884. Our school was constructed in 1914 with additions coming in 1965 (cafeteria and library), 1983 (gymnasium), and 1996 (church office and Holy Family Hall).
Our Sanctuary
In 1887, the St. James Ladies Society undertook the project of providing a new altar for the church. By November of that same year they had gathered pledges totaling $500. The new altar, including three statues, was ordered at that time.
The statues were selected (according to St. James tradition) based on how the ministry of St. James was and is understood. Saint Matthew (who is on the gospel side of the altar) was selected because of our commitment to the Holy Gospel and the Evangelist Matthew’s Gospel is the first in the New Testament. An angel of God stands to his left. The beloved disciple, Saint John (stands on the epistle side of the altar) was selected because our ministry is founded on the highest christology. The Latin words on the book held by Saint John reads, IN PRINCIPIO ERAT VERBUM, and mean “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1.1) At the center of the altar as the focal point of the sanctuary and our Christian lives is our Savior, Jesus Christ, from whom all blessings flow. The altar, hand-crafted and imported from Germany, was installed in April 1898 and was renovated in 1993.
The altar, hand-crafted and imported from Germany, was installed in April 1898 and was renovated in 1993.
Our Church and School Logo
Our logo reflects the symbol of St. James the Greater, a shield and cross.
The crucifix processed into each Mass is carried by a crucifer. It is fashioned after the same cross as the Shield of St. James. A member of the congregation made this cross as a gift for St. James. It was later adorned with a hand-wrought Italian corpus of our Lord. The fleur-de-lis ends are evident in the architecture and altar of the sanctuary, and represent the Blessed Virgin Mother of our Lord. The Holy Cross, especially he many Jerusalem crosses within the sanctuary, reminds us of the greatest sacrifice ever made, Jesus’ life and death, and the assurance of forgiveness and eternal life that flows from it. The shield symbolizes protection through Christ our Savior and reminds us to “put on the full armor of God” each day.
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17
St. James the Greater (or Elder) was an Apostle of Christ Jesus, spreading the gospel throughout the world. These symbols encourage us to share the gospel with others, serving to remind us that we are chosen by God, re-created in His image, to be His children.