Having received the approval of Archbishop Lucey, in May and July of 1948, Msgr James Lockwood purchased the Church property. Plans were made to build the Quonset hut.
In January of 1949, the building was completed. It provided facilities for Sunday Masses and Holy Days of Obligation. In January of 1953, Archbishop Lucey designated St James the Apostle as Patron Saint to the Mission of St Henry.
On March 1, 1954, Father Joseph Nowak arrived at St James. July 20th is the official birthday of St James and it was on this day that Fr Joseph Nowak was officially installed as the Pastor of the Church. In August of the same year.
On September 1st 1957, St James School was officially opened with an enrollment of 190 Students in grades 1 thru 4.
Since the number of the people increased, there was need to build a new Church to accommodate everybody. The Community came together, groundbreaking was held in December 1958. Work on the Church started on January 12, 1959 and was completed on July 19, 1959.
On June 24, 1966, the Church was blessed with a gift of the Priesthood as one of their Sons who went into the Seminary; Manuel Martinez was ordained a Priest in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins (OFM) in Illinois.
In 1967, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was built. Fr Joseph Nowak was transferred to St Ann Church, San Antonio. Rev Edward Billy succeeded him as Pastor of St James. Fr Joseph Nowak passed away on January 18, 1969.
Today, St. James the Apostle serves more than 2500 families through our many ministries and services. Our Catholic School has more than 225 students enrolled (Pre-K3 -8th), our religious education programs guide more than 250 children and 100 adults through their faith development. Our various ministries and organizations serve our parishioners of every age and background.
Our parish has seen many changes during its 70 years of existence, and the past year has been no different. We look forward to continuing to build our future, with our Pastor, Fr. Ricardo Ramirez.