Methodism was introduced in the location known as Miamisburg as early as 1798 by John Kobler, a circuit rider. However the fledgling denomination really never took roots until a house of worship was built of brick around 1838 on what is now West Central Avenue. It's name - the First Methodist Episcopal Church - the root of our present St. James UMC.

In 1869 the church moved to a second building which is now the present Masonic Lodge on Second Street. As the congregation grew, again it was decided a new and larger home for worship was needed. In 1903 the congregation moved to and consecrated the building that now is home to Parkview UMC.

As the congregation continued to grow, it was decided in 1957 to purchase 65 acres of land (of which 47 were later sold) at the site where our church facilities are presently located. At the time, everyone referred to the location as the "Church on the Hill".

Our present church facilities were built in two stages: first - fellowship hall and the children's building; second - our sanctuary. The three sections were consecrated in the years 1960, 1961 and 1975 respectively.

Since more than one Methodist church now existed in the area, the name of "St. James United Methodist Church" was adopted on 1958 based on the biblical passages - James 1: 19-27, 2:1-4 & 14-17 and 3:5-6. The commit- tee recommending the name felt these passages best reflected what the church had been and should be!

Our predecessors have left us a legacy of which to be proud. With a passion in our hearts and a fire in our bellies, let us resolve to build on it for the glory of God and for the good of all those on this earth.