Our History

St James was Founded in 1944

A Walk Back in Time

St James was founded in 1950 and has served as a light for central Tucson during that time.

March 1944

History Highlights

The Tucson District Superintendent of the Southern California-Arizona Conference of the United Methodist Church, Frank Williams, obtained the approval of the Conference Board of Missions to purchase property in Northeast Tucson for developing a new church. A committee of local churchmen was formed to investigate suitable locations for a new church in the “fastest growing section of Tucson.”

First financial grant of support for starting a new church was received from the General Board of Missions and Church Extension in the amount of $1200.

March 13, 1950

March 15, 1950

Rev. Clovis B. Snyder was appointed to begin the work of organizing a new church.

First worship service held in the Amphitheater Junior High building. Worship services and church school were held at the school. The Snider’s home was used for choir rehearsal, board meetings, and the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

April 23, 1950

December 19, 1954

First worship services in the newly constructed church sanctuary.

Consecration Service for the new church sanctuary was held with District Superintendent Clarence Wagner preaching at the first service and Bishop Gerald Kennedy preaching at the second service.

February 6, 1955

September 1965

Happy Trails Christian Preschool began as a ministry of St James United Methodist Church.