Church History

Our Journey

How St. James Began

Every church has a beginning, and St. James started in August 1966 when three families came together to pray and dream about a new Lutheran congregation in Greenfield. From that first worship service, God has blessed us with faithful pastors, leaders, and a heart for mission.

Today, St. James continues to serve Greenfield through Word and Sacrament, reverent worship, and community outreach, standing firmly on Scripture and the hope of the Gospel.

More About Us Vision & Values

Our Story

Timeline of St. James

October 2, 1966

The first worship service was held at the Junior High School, led by Pastor George Hoog.

January 8, 1967

A church school program began.

January 22, 1967

Pastor J. Luther Seng was appointed Mission Developer and later became the first pastor on May 18, 1967.

May 14, 1967

St. James was formally organized with 89 adults and 55 children.

May 22, 1967

Officially received into the Indiana-Kentucky Synod.

1969–1972

Partnered in regional ministry in Knightstown.

1976–1980

Sponsored Laotian families, providing housing, jobs, and community support.

1972–1973

Pastor Terry Hudson served.

1974–1992

Pastor Leslie C. Yeager led the church through steady growth, including a major remodeling and building project (1984–85).

1993–2005

Pastor Jerald M. Mielke guided another building project (1995), adding a Christian Education wing, Narthex, and extensive renovations.

2006

Interim Pastor Joyce Gerwing served.

2008–2020

Pastor Larry Gember shepherded the church until his retirement.

2020–2022

Pastor Doug Gast served as interim.

July 2022–Present

Rev. Dr. Richard Blue, Jr. began serving as Senior Pastor.