Preserving Our Heritage

Saint James Church, at 38th and Chestnut Streets in University City, Philadelphia, is one of the most historic and beautiful ecclesial structures in the United States. This post Civil War, American Revivalist Gothic building is an architectural Jewel, on the inside and on the outside. Since 1887, this building has been Holy Ground to the local Catholic community, to students in area universities, and for patients in three large hospitals. Since 2002, this magnificent church has been undergoing a significant and comprehensive repair and renovation that, with your continued help, will save it for future generations.

Our Parish and Our People

     The Church Building and interior worship space of St. Agatha-St. James 

         As the parish of Saint Agatha-Saint James emerged over the last quarter century, it has taken on a very distinctive quality and character.  St. Agatha-St. James is commonly referred to as a "Parish of Institutions."  This "West Philly" neighborhood has been a rich spawning ground for many institutions, which, as they expand and multiply, interweave themselves with our local Catholic Community.  Today the Parish of St. Agatha-St. James functions in partnership with many local communities and institutions.

        St. Agatha-St. James ministers to the academic communities of Penn, Drexel and the University of Sciences.  It provides chaplaincy services, sacramental ministry, and pastoral care to three major hospitals and medical centers:  "HUP" (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania) "CHOP" (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) and , "Presby" (Presbyterian Hospital).

        In the midst of its outreach to these institutions, the priests, staff and parishioners of St. Agatha-Saint James have never forgotten, nor will they ever forget, that we are a parish of persons.  The parish proudly promulgates its unique diversity and core identity in its mission statement:  "We are undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and staff who offer their creativity and enthusiasm to the work of ministry and worship.  We are patients and inhabitants of local nursing homes who are needy of prayers, and who, in turn, offer prayers of strength and support for others.  We are the faithful, resident, dedicated parishioners who have lived in University City and it's environs for many years.  We are the homebound and the Homeless.

The church of St. James is at risk as a sacred place. We do not want to lose this treasure. We are proud of what we have already accomplished. Through the concern and generosity of many people, we have completed major capital renovations. It's important for you to know what has recently been done.

• 2001: A new slate roof, new lower roofs, new upper roof drainage system, and masonry pointing of upper walls; thereby sealing the exterior envelope above the lower roof level. Cost: $650,000.
• Spring 2003: Extensive repair of damaged interior plaster and cornices, painting of entire interior, renovation of sacred art and worship space. Cost: $163,000.
• Fall 2003: Contracted for interior cleaning and pigeon-proofing of the East and West Gothic towers; repair damaged louvers and window frames, water proof tower roofs. Cost: $34,000.
• 2004/2009:  Repairs and renovation to the exterior and interior of the rectory and Church building.  Cost:  $300,000 
• Spring/2010:  Exterior and interior restorations to Church Building and Rectory, Cost:  $30,000

Remaining capital projects to complete and protect what we have already accomplished:

• Kilgen Organ: Complete overhaul of the historic organ

Immediate Concerns

    We have come so far, and loving and generous stewardship has brought us into the new millennium.  We, the priests and parishioners, stand ready to accept the challenge of Christ like living and loving in this new Millennium.  Like our forbearers, we are equipped with the blessings of Faith, Hope and Love, the fruits of a true eucharistic community.

    But we face many difficulties unknown to previous generations which makes our calling more difficult.  The parish struggles with the financial challenges of a declining parishioner base which cannot cover regular operating expenses much less support needed repairs of the magnificent but aging church building, created to be a nightingale, but rapidly becoming an albatross.

    We also must address staffing and technology updating if we intend to minister effectively in our two local Newman centers, offer chaplaincy and pastoral care services at HUP and CHOP, and provide parish based programs and initiatives.  Unless income from "outside" sources can be obtained, the quality and effectiveness of our presence and ministerial outreach in University City will severely decline.

Our faith in God's grace and in the desire of so many people to see this magnificent church continue its mission as the Catholic center in University City, are our greatest reasons for hope. We hope to finish what we have begun through designated gifts and memorials.

Church memorials allow donors to contribute in a specific manner to the renovation effort and also provide opportunities to remember or memorialize their beloved deceased in an enduring and spiritual manner. Most aspects of the renovation are able to be memorialized in honor of someone or something.

Designated Financial Gifts to the "Church Repair Fund" enable donors to contribute in a general way to the church repair fund and allow the pastor to direct funds where they are most needed.

Specific Gifts such as a new sound system, a set of new vestments, etc., are very welcome and appreciated.

Please direct all inquiries about designated gifts and memorials to Father Steve Marinucci at the rectory.

 Comments from our benefactors