Expanding Saint James' Through Its History

Originally Posted 06/18/2015

Looking Back: Growth and Enlargement of Saint James’

Historically – since the doors to Saint James’ were opened in 1853 on Culpeper Street, there have been four major enlargements to the building complex; the most recent was 50 years ago.  They are:

1874 – Extension of the main body of the church by 18 feet, to which a recessed chancel was added; church capacity increased by 100 sittings.

1929 – A new and commodious Parish House was built.

1949 – Removal of wall separating Chapel and the main body of the Church.

1966 – The Education Wing built for the Sunday School, Children’s Chapel, choir rooms, meeting rooms, offices.

Previous essays have dwelt on the 1874 and 1949 improvements; this essay focuses on the 1929 Parish House.

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The Spilman Memorial Parish House

In 1920, when the Rev. Paul D. Bowden took charge of the parish, the property consisted of the church building, a small parish house, and a rectory; on the latter there was a debt of $9,000.  In 1921, there was a threat of a beer hall and night club to be built on the vacant lot next to the church.  Fortunately, a parishioner, Mr. Preston, bought and made a gift of the property to Saint James’, on the condition that a new Parish House would be built for the Sunday School.  There was considerable pressure on the Vestry to meet this obligation, but it delayed action for some years on account of the rectory debt.

In 1926, General Baldwin Day Spilman died.  He had long served as vestryman; he with his family, had been faithful members and supporters of Saint James’  In 1927, his widow wrote to the Vestry of her – and the family’s wish – to give a  new Parish Hall to the church in General Spilman’s memory.  The offer was accepted and the new Parish House was completed in April 1929.  The architect, Irwin Fleming, designed the building in the Tudor Revival style with a cloister-like porch on the side.  Within the porch is a bronze tablet bearing the inscription:

“To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Baldwin Day Spilman /Erected by his Family. 1928.”

On the formal opening and dedication, it was written:  “A large congregation assembled for the opening service, which consisted of a simple religious service and dedicatory prayer by the Rector.  Bishop Tucker (The Rt. Rev. Henry St. George Tucker) then made an address, accepting the building on behalf of the parish and the entire church.  He referred to General Spilman and his deep interest in all church affairs, and special desire that the parish should have a house of this kind.

“At the close of the Bishop’s talk, all present went through the building, inspecting and admiring it, and delicious refreshments were served by the Ladies’ Aid, tables being set in the porch and on the lawn.”

General Spilman (1853-1926) was the son of Judge and Mrs. Edwin M. Spilman of Warrenton.  He was appointed to West Point by Col. John S. Mosby.  Later, he was a veteran of the so-called “Indian Wars,” and called by the governor of West Virginia to improve the National Guard.  Spilman commanded a West Virginia regiment in the Spanish-American War.  It was written, “He was every inch a soldier and a man.  He was even more the latter than the word carries – he was a gentleman.”

In retirement, General Spilman built “Elway Hall,” then the largest house in Fauquier County – completed in 1907 outside Warrenton, where he and Mrs. Spilman lived the rest of their lives, and raised their children.

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