Our History
St. James United Methodist Church traces its roots back to April 9, 1865, when Rev. William Davis organized a new congregation in New Iberia. From a small wooden sanctuary to the distinctive brick A-frame seen today, St. James has remained a steady witness of faith and community in this neighborhood.
The first St. James church was a modest wooden structure that quickly became a spiritual home for families in New Iberia. Worship, baptisms, and community meetings all took place within its simple walls as the congregation grew in number and in faith.
In 1893, under the leadership of Rev. A. H. Banks, a new building was completed to serve the expanding ministry. By 1918, St. James was strong enough to host the Louisiana Annual Conference, with Rev. Henry Taylor serving as pastor.
In the late 1960s, a truck struck the front of the church, causing severe damage to the building. Rather than give up, the people of St. James chose to rebuild. Out of that season of loss came the familiar brick A-frame sanctuary that still stands today, a visible sign of the congregation’s resilience and hope.
Across the decades, St. James has continued to worship, serve, and open its doors to the surrounding community. From its earliest wooden chapel to its present home, the church has carried a single calling: to share the love of Christ in New Iberia.
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Our history is still being written. Worship with us, serve with us, and grow in faith together.