St. James Episcopal Church (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

The St. James Episcopal Church, located in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Although Episcopalians began gathering in 1819, St. James Church formally organized as an Episcopal congregation in 1844 due to the influence and support of Margaret MacKall Taylor, wife of president Zachary Taylor. Within the spectrum of worship styles in the Anglican tradition, St. James Church was a Low Church parish during the 19th century, but has been considered a Broad Church parish since the early to mid 20th Century. In addition to worship, St. James Church is actively involved in service to the community, pastoral care, and Christian education for all ages. The church is also home to a two-time National Blue Ribbon day school (18 month through 5th grade).