MEET OUR COMMUNITY
WELCOMING
New to San Francisco or the church?
We’ll make you feel at home. We care about each other, our neighborhood, and our world.
PASSIONATE
Our faith challenges, excites, fulfills.
We believe the love of God
can fill our lives with light.
HAPPILY DIVERSE
Young and old, single and partnered, parenting and parented, BIPOC and LGBTQ. St. James is all of these.
“St. James is where my two daughters were baptized, where they made friends in youth group, were angels in the Christmas pageants, and where we had my father’s memorial service. St. James is our home away from home."
KAREN CLOPTON AND HER DAUGHTERS OLIVIA & JULIA
GET TO KNOW OUR CLERGY & STAFF
The Rev. Christopher Chase is an experienced parish leader known for his pastoral presence, sense of humor, ability to lead across generations and interfaith acumen.
Chris completed an M.T.S. at Boston University and studied at the Episcopal Divinity School. He began his ministry in Massachusetts and subsequently served in Tennessee and San Diego, CA. He has held key leadership roles as a deacon, rector, and canon for higher education. In 2014, he co-founded the Braid Mission, a ministry focused on mentoring foster youth, surrounding them with love and joy.
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Chris has recently moved to San Francisco with his wife, Rebecca, establishing their residence in the rectory and acting as our Interim Rector while we complete our 2025-2026 search for a permanent rector.
Christopher Chase
Interim Rector
Shari Young
Priest Associate
Ordained in 1988, Shari is now retired, but continues to very involved in the St. James community, assisting with preaching, liturgical leadership, and convening our St. James Women’s Circle. She is a proud mother to adult son, Matt.
Jack Mills
Parish Administrator
Jack works as our Parish Administrator, managing our office, IT support, space rental programs, and more. He graduated from Colorado College, studying neuroscience. He is a key player behind the scenes, helping us grow our faith community.
LEADERSHIP & VESTRY
Helen Archer-Dusté
Senior Warden, Vestry
Tracey Thomas
Junior Warden, Vestry
Tom Matthews
CFO, Vestry
Doug Bewsher
Treasurer
Sinjin Barned-Smith
Secretary, Vestry
Brooke Bengier
Vestry
Kathy Crosby
Vestry
Jim Dycus
Vestry
Eleanor Scott
Vestry
Warren Wong
Vestry
ST. JAMES HISTORY
St. James was officially founded in 1890 as a "guild hall" on Clement Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, serving as a hub for neighborhood activities.
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In 1923 the church moved to California St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, the present day location of St. James.
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The St. James Preschool was established in 1963.
In 1984, a new contemporary era at St. James began with a progressive approach to theology causing church membership to swell. Numerous community groups and non-profits began to use the church facilities.
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In December of 2000 the St. James Vestry drew up a Statement of Inclusivity and declared itself an Oasis Congregation.
ST. JAMES PRESCHOOL
Founded in 1963, St. James Preschool has been a much-loved fixture of San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood for 55 years, providing nonsectarian quality education to children from ages 2 to 5. As a small nonprofit school with an exceptional child-to-teacher ratio, we are dedicated to a developmental child-centered philosophy that fosters personal growth and respects a child’s spirit.
