Expanding Saint James' Through Its History: The 1960's

Originally Posted: 06/24/2015

The Education Wing

As we outgrow space in the Parish House, it is well to note that nearly 50 years ago the fourth – and last enlargement – at Saint James’ became a reality.  In 2016, when we celebrate our bicentennial year, half a century will have passed since groundbreaking for that major expansion.

This essay focuses on the major addition of the Education Wing, designed to provide a large, functional multiple-purpose building, appended to the Parish House.  With the growth of Saint James’ at that time, its purpose was to accommodate the Sunday School and to include a children’s chapel, choir rooms, meetings rooms, offices, a youth activities area, and to meet future needs.

In addition to church activities, Parish House facilities were being used by five Scout organizations, garden clubs, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, American Red Cross, the Fauquier Association for Retarded Children, meetings of ministers, committees of the Episcopal Diocese, and other service organizations.

The first step had been taken in 1961 during the ministry of the Rev. Paul D. Bowden when land to the rear owned by Hickman Chevrolet was acquired.  Later, in 1964, the vestry established a planning committee and in 1965 a well-known architect was engaged to draw up plans.  David Jay Greer was rector and William DeF. Doeller was general chairman and coordinator for the building program. Ground breaking ceremonies were held in May 1966 with the first shovel of earth turned by Bishop Frederick D. Goodwin.

Completion and Dedication

Two years later, with wide support, the addition was completed.  On Sunday, October 27, 1968, Bishop Samuel Blackwell Chilton dedicated the structure in thanksgiving for the “long and faithful ministry” of Paul Bowden who served as rector from 1920 until 1963 and as rector emeritus from 1963 until his death in 1968.

Records show that the dedication service began in the church and concluded at the Beckham Street side where Senior Warden Beverly B. Sale and other members assisted with tours of the new facilities.  A buffet luncheon was held in the original Parish House which had been renovated with a much improved kitchen.