History

St. James' traces its roots to the first Episcopal service held in Fremont on July 14, 1865, in a board shanty erected for Union Pacific laborers. The Rev. O.C. Dake, sent from Omaha to found a church in Fremont, organized a congregation and supervised the construction of the first church building in 1867. Dake left St. James' in 1871 to serve as one of the founding professors of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

The foundation of the present St. James' was set in 1886, and the building was completed and opened for use on May 6, 1888, while the beautiful Knights Templar window (left) was unveiled on May 10.

Father Fred Muller began his ministry as rector in 1943. His 30 years as rector saw dramatic increases in membership and the addition of classrooms, offices, and St. Luke's Chapel. His example instilled in us a love of fellowship and service to the Fremont community.

St. James' celebrated 150 years of ministry in 2015. From our early pioneer roots to today, through many ups and downs, we've continued to call people together to worship, grow, and serve.

The Episcopal Church

St. James' is a member of the Episcopal Church, a Christian denomination that traces its history in America back to the colonial Church of England. As Episcopalians, we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a Christian tradition with 85 million members of churches that share history, tradition, and worship with the Church of England.

The Episcopal Church is often described as "halfway" between Protestant and Catholic churches. The Bible, the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, worship according to the Book of Common Prayer, and the tradition of governance by bishops are all fundamental to who we are. 

We also have a long history of social ministry, advocating and caring for the poor, for environmental stewardship, for racial justice and reconciliation, and for refugees and others on the margins of society. We affirm the full dignity and ministry of LGBTQ people, and we ordain women to all orders of ministry.

Whoever you are and wherever life has taken you, the Episcopal Church welcomes you.

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PRIEST-IN-CHARGE

Brother Jerry Thompson

Before coming to St. James' Church to serve as Priest-in-Charge, Br. Jerry served the church in a variety of positions, including as Rector of two parishes - most recently St. Mark's on the Campus in Lincoln, NE for 14 years - and as Canon for Liturgy, Formation and Stewardship at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, IN. He was also married for 35 years and is the father of two children, one now deceased. In August 2019, Br. Jerry became a monk of Incarnation Monastery in Omaha. In addition to a deeply committed prayer life, he has a particular passion for liturgy, preaching, formation and pastoral care - which are his primary responsibilities at St. James!