Vision:

to continue growing stronger in our commitment to our faith

to worship together

to make God’s love known to others through Christian education

to serve the needs of our community through outreach programs

History: 

In June, 1889, nearly 20 families petitioned the Bishop of the Cleveland Diocese, Richard Gilmour, for a church in Kansas.  The request was granted, and Father Michael Dechant, the pastor of St. Mary, helped to secure a suitable site for building a frame church.  Two lots, 50' x 150', located on Chestnut Street were purchased on August 6, 1889, for the sum of $177.00.  The building began on September 1, 1889, under the direction of the building committee of Albert Gardner, John Schoch, Sr., and L.S. Jump.  It is said that the lumber for the building came from the woods of John Schoch and Michael Toeppe.  Dr. James S. Jump, who was not Catholic at the time, worked very hard for the parish.  He collected the money, supervised work on the building, and built the first altar used.  No debt was incurred.  The finished building measured 30' x 50'.  It was named St. James the Lesser.

Dedication of the church took place on June 8, 1890.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. F. M. Boff, who had been delegated by Bishop Gilmour.  The day before the dedication, Rev. Boff blessed the bell which was placed in the tower and rang for the first time on June 8.

On June 17th, 1990; St. James celbrated it's 100th anniversary.  Bishop James Hoffman was the celebrant at the Centennial Mass.  He was assisted by Deacon George Miller.  Parishioners, former parishioners, as well as former priests and sisters gathered together to celebrate.

In his homily, the Bishop spoke about the act of remembering: remembering the establishment of the faith community, remembering our fathers and the values that they pass on to their children, and remembering the Eucharist.  The basic motivation for the early families to establish a parish was the frequent celebration of the sacraments.