We believe that the gifts of artists of all kinds should be used in the church. We agree with Joan Chittister, who wrote, “The function of the artist in the life of us all of is to make the transcendent visible; to touch the soul in ways that match the soul; to enshrine beauty so that we learn to see it; and to make where we live places of wonder” (New York: Crossroad, The Rule of Benedict, page 150).

St. Augustine wrote that by singing our prayers we can pray twice. We regard congregational singing as an extremely important part of the liturgy, i.e., “the work of the people.” We try to encourage strong congregational singing by using a variety of multicultural musics from the wider Church; by regularly introducing new hymns to our worship; by including the learning of new hymns in the curriculum of the children’s Sunday school; and by inviting parish instrumentalists to ornament hymn-singing in various ways.

The Chancel Choir helps to provide music leadership in the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. St. Paul & St. James has a set of twelve bronze Malmark handbells used by the Handbell Choir for learning, worship, and soon – it is hoped – for outreach. The St. Paul & St. James Liturgical Dancers are regularly involved in leading our worship and in outreach.

Music and Me provides young children (up to age 5) the opportunity to do music readiness (loud/soft, keeping a steady beat, high/low, fast/slow) activities with their caregiver and Minister of Music and the Arts Wilma Whitley.

St. Paul & St. James offers quarterly Sacred Harp sings, and we have sponsored many concerts and dramatic presentations. It is hoped that the current concert program will continue to develop and become more formalized over time.

In recent years, the crafts and visual arts have also been highlighted within the congregation, and we hope to broaden that program also.

During 2003 - 2004, St. Paul & St. James is celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of the St. Paul’s parish and the tenth anniversary of the merging of the two congregations. Part of the preparations for the celebration has included exploration of our histories, led by Archivist Joy Burns.

The Reverend Harlon Dalton is overseeing the installation of a columbarium for the church interior. He, Ms. Burns, and others within the congregation are implementing this project in light of the building’s historical importance –– we believe it to be the second-oldest Gothic revival structure in the country.

St. James Episcopal Church, Westville, Connecticut built 1837.

The St. Paul’s Christmas Entertainment: Play of Nursery Rhymes, 1900, featuring the
(church’s or city’s?) first electric lighted star of Bethlehem and lighted Christmas tree.