Church of St. James the Greater

Church of St. James the Greater is an Episcopal church building in Bristol, Pennsylvania featuring neo-Gothic architectural elements and stained glass windows. The building displays decorative details and design features influenced by European cathedral traditions throughout its interior and exterior.

The church was established as a parish in 1850, marking the first Catholic parish west of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia County. In 1976, St. Agatha's Church merged with this parish, uniting them under shared leadership.

The space serves as a spiritual gathering place where community members come together for worship and shared celebrations across generations. It remains woven into the fabric of local life, functioning as an important center for both religious and social activities.

The building is open for regular worship services and community events where visitors are welcome to attend. An audio guide divided into six segments helps visitors explore the interior and architectural features at their own pace.

The building once housed the first Newman Center in the United States, established in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania. This connection to early Catholic student ministry made it a significant location in the history of religious campus outreach.

Location: Pennsylvania

Website: http://stjamesbristol.org

GPS coordinates: 40.09710,-74.85370

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:04