A Hilltop Congregation Since 1889
St. James Presbyterian Church sits on 14th Street in Bellingham's South Hill neighborhood, perched above historic Fairhaven with a view across Bellingham Bay. From that hillside vantage, the congregation has gathered for worship for more than 135 years, marking its 130th anniversary in 2019. The long stretch of stained glass, wood, and stone has seen generations come and go, yet the rhythm of Sunday morning has remained steady: liturgy, hymns, Scripture, prayer.
What makes St. James distinctive today is the way it pairs that traditional setting with an explicitly progressive, open, and affirming posture. The congregation describes itself as theologically progressive, ecumenically active, and welcoming to all, regardless of country of origin, skin color, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Long before those words became common in church circles, St. James was already engaging in social justice and earth care work in the Pacific Northwest.
Worship in a Sanctuary Above the Bay
Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and is led by the Rev. Dr. Seth J. Thomas, with choral and musical leadership from Music Director Leah Bruno. The service unfolds in a traditional, liturgically-based style, drawing from the printed Glory to God hymnal and using a printed bulletin that walks worshippers through the order of service. The worship blends liturgy with contemporary music and both new and beloved hymns, creating a setting of peace and respite. The sounds of sea birds and the occasional passing train drift in through the open windows.
The service is inter-generational, with members of every age gathered together to sing, read, and pray. About fifteen minutes into the service, children are invited forward for a time aimed at them. After that, they may head downstairs to the Godly Play classroom or remain in the sanctuary. Each week, members of the congregation serve as Lectors, reading Scripture and leading prayers of confession and thanksgiving. An offering is collected, though visitors are not expected to give; they are simply welcomed into the gathered life of the community.
For those who cannot be present, the service is livestreamed on Facebook, with a Zoom option also available. Recent sermons are archived on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Logos Sermons, so the congregation's voice reaches well beyond Bellingham.
Music as a Living Tradition
Music is woven deeply into St. James' identity. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:30 in the Sanctuary Choir Loft, preparing weekly anthems from September through June. Singers of all abilities are invited to join.
For those drawn to a different sound, the Bell Choir rehearses weekly on Thursdays at 6:00 in the Horizon Room and plays for worship roughly once a month. Together, the two ensembles form the backbone of musical worship, supported by the direction of Leah Bruno, a pianist, composer, and alumna of the UBC School of Music.
Children and Families at the Heart
Tracy Caruso serves as Director of Children and Family Ministries, shaping a program that runs year round. Nursery care is provided for children from birth through age four, located downstairs. Children ages four through fifth grade are welcomed into a Godly Play classroom, also downstairs. Godly Play blends Montessori methods with biblical storytelling and creative art response, giving children space to wonder about themselves, their faith, and God.
During the summer, children are invited to remain in worship and engage with resources from Illustrated Children's Ministry. The church frames its children's ministry with words from Psalm 100: On your feet now applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into God's presence.
Adults, Bible Study, and Presbyterian Women
Adult formation centers on a Sunday Morning Bible Study that meets at 9:00 a.m. in the Church Lounge. The group covers Lectionary texts, book studies, and lively discussion, with coffee and rolls provided. Drop-ins are welcome any week.
Presbyterian Women (PW) is another cornerstone of adult life at St. James. All women of the congregation are members of PW, which links them to Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of the Northwest Coast and the Synod of Alaska and Northwest. PW gathers for Bible study on the last Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 10:30 a.m. in the Lounge. The group also hosts fundraisers and supports a wide circle of local agencies, including Interfaith Coalition, the Bellingham Food Bank, Maple Alley Inn, Lydia House, Habitat for Humanity, Skookum Kids, and Northwest Youth Services.
Pastoral Care and Prayer
Pastoral Care at St. James reflects the caring compassion of Christ, offering comfort, support, and counsel during times of physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Pastor Seth Thomas can connect individuals to support groups and ministries within the congregation, and he responds to hospitalizations, illnesses, deaths, and prayer requests that come through the church office.
A Prayer Chain, coordinated by Faye Hill, lifts up specific needs confidentially. Requests are kept private unless the person asks for them to be shared with the wider congregation.
Governance: Elders and Deacons
Like every Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation, St. James is governed by its Session of Elders, currently nine members assigned to committees based on their gifts. The Session meets on the second Sunday of each month following worship. Elders strengthen the faith and life of the congregation, equip members for ministry in the world, and assist in worship and the sacraments.
A Board of twelve to fifteen Deacons is divided into five parish clusters, with two deacons assigned to each. Deacons visit members who are homebound or struggling, coordinate the cookie and coffee fellowship after services, assist with funeral services, and stay in touch through calls, cards, and visits. The Deacons sponsor an All Parish Luncheon and an All Church Picnic each July. Current Co-Moderators are Holly Hagshenas and Merry Thomas.
Toddler Time and a Building that Opens to the Neighborhood
On Wednesday mornings from 8:30 to 10:15, the Fellowship Hall fills with the energy of Toddler Time, a community open-play program for children ages four and younger. Parents socialize over free coffee while children explore. The program is free and unstructured, though parents remain present throughout.
Beyond its own ministries, St. James makes its building available to a remarkable range of community groups. Bayside Co-op Preschool operates on site, providing a warm early-childhood environment rooted in play, music, and social development. The Bellingham Ukulele Club meets the first Saturday of each month, with a beginners' session and loaner ukuleles available. Alcoholics Anonymous (SOS Men's Group on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.; Fairhaven Group on Thursdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.), Al-Anon, and Overeaters Anonymous (Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.) hold regular meetings. Boy Scouts meet Mondays, the Washington Gender Alliance gathers on Tuesdays, and the Whatcom Weavers' Guild and Whatcom County Music Teachers Association also use the building.
Stewardship and Giving
Pledges account for roughly 80 percent of the church's annual budget, supporting staff, programs, operations, and mission giving. Gifts can be made online through the church's giving platform or by texting a dollar amount to 84321. The Finance Committee and Session rely on pledges to plan the year's budget.
Getting There and Finding Your Way In
From I-5, take Exit 250 to Old Fairhaven Parkway and head west to 14th Street, where a right turn leads half a mile up the hill to the church on the left. From Western Washington University, drivers can wind through Bill McDonald, 21st Street, Harris Avenue, and 14th. From Downtown Bellingham, State Street runs south to 14th, with the church on the right. Additional parking is available below the church off Fillmore Avenue. Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and visitors are welcome to come early on Sundays for fellowship before the service.