Smithtown, A History: St. James Episcopal Church

, located at 490 North Country Road, stands as a testimony to the area’s rich history.

In 1853 local Episcopalians decided to organize a parish, and the construction of the church quickly followed in 1854,

According to Images of America: St. James by Geoffrey K. Fleming, the church was named after James Clinch. Considered its founder and the father-in-law of Smith, Clinch was responsible for gathering 59 residents and organizing the contributions for the building of the structure. As for the land, two acres were donated by

Archivist Pat Westlake said the church was constructed in the style of noted architect Richard Upjohn, who designed the Trinity Church in Manhattan. The first service was held on July 3, 1854, according to the church’s website, and shortly after the rectory was added and plans for the cemetery were made.

In his book Smith wrote, “This church is pleasantly situated, in a good neighborhood and with healthy surroundings.”

The church even played a part in the naming of the area, according to The History of Smithtown. Originally called Sherrawog, it was decided to name the hamlet St. James when the local post office opened.

The AIA Architectural Guide to Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Long Island, describes St. James Episcopal as the earliest Gothic Revival structure in Smithtown. The building features a steep roof as well as board-and-batten siding.

The vestibule, tower and louvered belfry were added in 1877 and the pulpit a year later, according to the church’s website. Entrepreneur Alexander T. Stewart donated the bell tower and vestibule, and Joel L. G. Smith’s wife the pulpit in memory of her husband.

The stained glass windows of the church memorialize former residents. Westlake said behind the altar visitors will find a Gothic-shaped window that is dedicated to William Wickham and Eliza Mills. , Mr. Mills was a church warden and vestryman.

According to a church hand-out, three of the stained glass windows were designed by American architect Stanford White, a son-in-law of the judge, and fabricated by the celebrated John LaFarge. The Tree of Life window outside the sanctuary is dedicated to Smith and his wife Sarah. Another of White’s windows, dedicated to church founder Clinch and his wife Ann, can be found below the balcony.

Westlake said a Tiffany window called the Good Sheppard is dedicated to Charles Duncan Miller. An active member of the church in the early 1900s, Miller owned a large amount of land in the Village of the Branch that extended from Main Street to Miller’s Pond.

Plaques also honor those who have passed. Killed in combat in WWI, one is dedicated to James Ely Miller.

While St. James Episcopal has undergone slight additions and renovations, the church has not been greatly altered. And 150 years later, it remains standing to represent the past and serve today’s residents.