In 1886 the present church was build by parishioners for $22,000. There was no mention of celebration or commemoration in 2011-- even though St. James Church celebrated its 125th birthday.
A multi-million dollar capital campaign was initiated to build a large, 1000 capacity (now 800) church done in a classic Romanesque style similar to century old churches in Italy. That campaign appears stalled. Based upon reported campaign pledges, ground breaking in 2012 or even 2013 seems improbable . Little is known about the final design or costs of the cathedral style church. What is known is that the venerable old church will be destroyed to provide less than 20 parking spaces.
As a tribute to that great old church built with the pennies and nickels of hardworking Irish (German and other) families,—various history studies of the area will be utilized to inform our present parishioners and friends what old St. James Church was and is.
The following is taken from, Golden Jubilee: History of the Diocese of Rockford 1908-1958, pages133-136.
Part I is available by clicking: http://www.boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/02/2011old-st-james-churchs-125th-year-of.html
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