Why Choose
St. James

Welcoming

New to San Francisco, new to church—we’ll make you feel at home

Caring

We care about each other—and about our neighborhood, our city, and our world

Passionate

Our faith challenges, excites, fulfills

Happily Diverse

Young and old, single and partnered, parenting and parented, BIPOC and LGBTQ—St. James is all of these

Joyful

We believe the love of God can fill our lives with light

LEADERSHIP

our clergy & STAFF

SUPPLY PRIEST

THE REV. RON WILLIS

We are delighted to welcome back The Rev. Ron Willis who is serving as our supply priest, covering the sabbatical of The Rev John Kirkley. Ron has been a part of the St James community for many years, has served in this role previously, and is a regular participant in our Weds Evening prayer service. He will be working part time and focused on liturgical and pastoral matters.

Parish Administrator

Jack Mills

Jack works as our Parish Administrator, managing our office, IT support, space rental programs, and more. Before joining us, he graduated from Colorado College, studying neuroscience.

Priest Associate

The Rev. Shari Young

Shari has a long history with St. James, having previously served on staff. Ordained in 1988, she is now retired, but continues to assist with preaching, liturgical leadership, and convening our St. James Women’s Circle. She has an adult son, Matt.

OUR VESTRY

vestry WARDENS

Helen Archer-Dusté, Senior Warden
Tracey Thomas, Junior Warden

Vestry Members

Sinjin Barned-Smith
Brooke Bengier

Kathy Crosby
Jim Dycus
Tom Matthews

Eleanor Scott
Warren Wong

our COmmunity

ST. James Preschool

Founded in 1963, St. James Preschool has been a much-loved fixture of San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood for 55 years, providing nonsectarian quality education to children from ages 2 to 5. As a small nonprofit school with an exceptional child-to-teacher ratio, we are dedicated to a developmental child-centered philosophy that fosters personal growth and respects a child’s spirit.


Learn More

our history

FROM 1890 TO NOW

St. James was officially founded in 1890. A 'guild hall' was erected on Clement Street between 5th and 6th Avenues and served as a hub for neighborhood activities. In 1923 the church moved to California St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, the present day location of St. James. The St. James Preschool was established in 1963. In 1984, a new contemporary era at St. James began with a progressive approach to theology causing church membership to swell. Numerous community groups and non-profits began to use the church facilities. In December of 2000 the St. James Vestry drew up a Statement of Inclusivity and declared itself an Oasis Congregation. Rev. John Kirkley became the seventh Rector of St. James in 2010.

OUR neighborhood

THE INNER RICHMOND

Our Inner Richmond neighborhood is one of the most enjoyable and multicultural in San Francisco, with a vast array of inexpensive eateries, unique shops, bookstores and bakeries. In addition to its excellent Sunday Farmer’s Market, Mountain Lake Park and easy access to the Presidio, it boasts great Burmese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean restaurants. The Richmond also has deep Irish and Russian roots and many Catholic and Orthodox churches.

A MEETING PLACE

A MEETING PLACE FOR THE COMMUNITY

St. James Church provides a beautiful and safe space for many community gatherings and events such as musical concerts, senior exercise, after school Spanish classes, town hall meetings, and AA and OA meetings among others. If you’re interested in renting our space for your group, please contact us at info@stjamessf.org.
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