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The west wall of the Church of St. James the Less, including the bells that will soon chime again 

An exciting step to care for the spiritual heart of the school and neighborhood is underway.

Built in 1846, the church is a National Historic Landmark that has been a beacon in the neighborhood for generations. Our multi-phase restoration plan reflects a promise to sustain this sacred space for future generations of students, worshippers, and neighbors.

Phase One focuses on the west wall — a structural priority. Skilled craftspeople are meticulously repointing the stone masonry inside and out. In addition, a specialized process known as injection grouting is filling hidden voids within the wall, stabilizing the structure where old mortar has decayed.

Phase One also addresses the four bells in the bell cote that sits atop the west wall, not to be confused with the bells and chimes in the Wanamaker Bell Tower. Only one currently rings. The two smaller ones are being repaired by Pennsylvania-based Elderhorst Bells. The two larger bells are cracked and will be replaced with newly cast bells from a foundry in the Netherlands — one of a few places in the world still making bells to the original standard.

This work is part of a larger vision to restore the entire church building and grounds, including the historic churchyard, lychgate, and Wanamaker Bell Tower. Additional work is planned to enhance the church’s functionality as a hub for worship, education, and community life. Notably, a new organ is currently being built by the Ortloff Organ Company in Boston and is scheduled for installation in the summer of 2026.

Phase One of this project has been funded thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.

to celebrate this milestone and learn more about what’s to come at a special "Preservation Behind the Scenes" event on Sunday, June 8th at 3:30 p.m., followed by Mass at 5:00 p.m. and dinner.

Come hear directly from the preservation team, explore the church’s historic features, and learn how this effort ties into the long-term St. James vision.

To RSVP, email Shelby Rowe at SRowe@stjamesphila.org 

Through our extended day enrichments program, students discover a world of interests and activities beyond the traditional classroom. These after-school offerings are central to our whole child approach to education, a priority from the start thanks to our co-founder, the late Dr. Audrey Evans. She would be so proud of the staff and volunteers who bring their whole selves to make enrichments worthwhile.

Each semester, the program gives students dozens of options to explore new hobbies, build essential life skills, develop leadership qualities, and gain confidence in their unique talents. From athletics to academic support to creative arts, every enrichment is carefully designed to help students grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Safe on our campus and happily engaged Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, students are also forging stronger relationships with peers, staff, volunteers, and guest program leaders. They go home each afternoon more empowered to navigate their world.

This year, we are thrilled to highlight three enrichments at our Annual

Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit on May 20. Guests will experience firsthand the vibrancy and creativity that defines this program.

CHEERLEADING

As you arrive, you’ll be greeted with energy and excitement by our student cheer team. These students have learned teamwork, dedication, and spirit — and they’re eager to share it with you.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Be camera-ready! Students in our photography enrichment will be capturing the evening as official event photographers. With new skills behind the lens, they’re learning how to tell stories through images and see the world from new perspectives.

BE THE CHANGE

Get ready to be interviewed. Students from this enrichment will be conducting a survey, asking guests for their thoughts about St. James. They’ve learned how to design surveys, collect opinions, and use feedback to create change — skills that empower them to become thoughtful leaders in their communities.

These in-person moments at the Benefit will be more than just charming interactions. You’ll have a window into the impact of our total care approach and extended-day learning. You will also better appreciate how we are supporting students in developing their gifts: academic, moral, spiritual, intellectual, physical and creative.

St. James Day May 3, 2025

We had a great feast day of St. James the Less with the whole St. James' community represented, including students, graduates, neighbors. 

Church Repointing

We are restoring the western wall of our historic church from 1846, so it will be a sacred space for many generations to come. 

Career Week

Career Week at St. James offers our students an opportunity to see and learn from professionals in different careers. 

Welcome Table Book Club

The Welcome Table’s new monthly book club has been a hit, full of engaging discussions!

Welcome Table Line Dancing

Arguably the favorite class at The Welcome Table? Line-dancing! We held a fun class that all ages could enjoy. 

Help Students Capture St. James Moments!

We're in need of newer, gently used cameras — DSLRs preferred — to support our student photography enrichment. The students are learning the art and science of photography as they capture images of programs and events on campus that help us tell the St. James story! If you have a camera you’re no longer using and wish to donate, please email Cadie McNaboe at CMcNaboe@stjamesphila.org.

St. James School | 215-226-1276 | www.StJamesPhila.org