“How numerous, O Lord, my God, you have made your wondrous deeds! And in your plans for us there is none equal to you. Should I wish to declare or tell them, too many are to recount.” Psalm 40:6
Chronology
Bishop John Moore purchases land from Robert Reid of Palatka, FL bounded by Orange Avenue, Robinson Street, Magnolia Avenue, and Jefferson Street for $1050.00.
Father Swembergh went to the aid of a fellow priest serving in Tampa and succumbed to Yellow Fever in 1887.
The structure was wooden, 40’ x 70’ with a pitched roof and connecting bell tower. Though dedicated it was not completed until 1891 when the interior made of native pine was completed.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine arrive to serve the parish school, called St. Joseph Academy, at the invitation of Bishop John Moore. This school stood at the northeast corner of the church property at Magnolia and Robinson, where the Chancery and Post Office now stands.
An L-shaped “annex” was added to the church building due to the growth in the congregation.
(Pictured is the interior of the main sanctuary during the 1950 wedding of parishioners Andy Serros and Helen Gentile.)
A new church was built and dedicated on March 9, 1952. To accommodate construction, the old wooden church and rectory had moved to the extreme southwest boundary of the property.
The Diocese of Orlando is created out of the Diocese of St. Augustine and Bishop William D. Borders is name its first bishop.
Renovations to the building including remodeled exterior main door which covered the Rose Window and the addition of large wooden sculpture pieces of St. James (above exterior door), Mary with children, and the Transfiguration.
A fire heavily damaged St. Charles Borromeo Cathedral necessitating a move to a new cathedral. Bishop Thomas Grady petitioned the Holy Father Pope Paul VI to transfer the cathedral from St. Charles to St. James.
Construction and dedication of a new fan-shaped parish center including parish offices and meeting room. The old rectory on the south side of the church bordering Jefferson St. was demolished to make room for the new building.
1980’s Additional renovations were made to the building including the installation of a new pipe organ.
