St. James the Less Episcopal Church

The origin of St. James the Less begins with one of the area’s oldest Episcopal parishes,

St. Peters–a North Nashville church organized in 1866. In the late 1950s, St.

Ann’s and St. Peters were expected to form a new charter church. St. Ann’s decided

to retain their parish status and continue their mission in East Nashville.

Subsequently, St. Peters was closed by Dean William A. Dimmick of St. Mary’s

Cathedral of Memphis.

The initial aspirants for a new church met at the home of George E. (Jack) and

Mary Elizabeth Womack, former members of St. Peters. It was decided at this meeting

that the proceeds from the sale of St. Peters would be used to purchase a lot for

the new mission church. Bishop Vander Horst gave his approval for the mission and

chose its name, St. James the Less. Property on Curdwood Boulevard in Inglewood

was rented and services began on September 7, 1958 with forty-two charter members

present. On September 4, 1960, the first service was held at our present location

on 411 Due West Avenue. In 1963, ground was broken for the new Nave,

which was dedicated on February 7, 1965. The addition of a parish hall was completed

and dedicated in March of 1981. The church attained parish status in 1984.