The Friendly Church on the Hill
May 5, 2021
When seeking to tell a city like Vandalia, Illinois’ story, the faith of its residents cannot be overlooked. Its impact has a lasting influence, creating cultural change as well as sacred spaces in the heart of our community.
One of our oldest houses of worship, St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church has been serving Vandalia for over 150 years.
Rev. Krista Stokke beams rosily when she speaks of “the friendly church on the hill.” Her appreciation for God's gift of grace through Jesus is evident. Nativity scenes fill the shelves and cases of her office.
Like their more rural, yolked counterpart Zion Lutheran in Loogootee, the congregation of St. James, located at 727 W. Gatin St., is “small, but mighty.” Forty-five regular attendees unite in celebration weekly, gathering to experience the presence of God through a liturgical service observing both word and sacrament.
“Some churches wish for things to be the way they were in the 1950’s and 1960’s, when congregations were larger and church service was something every family took part in,” shared Rev. Stokke. “Back then it was what you did. You went to church on Sundays.”
But Rev. Stokke is mindful that “the first churches in Acts met in smaller groups in homes, breaking bread and building their relationship with each other and with God.”
That’s the type of house of divine worship that St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church is today.
Although a lightning strike in 2005 burned the sanctuary down--the second such strike in the church's long history--the congregation pulled together and became close knit while the community of Vandalia rallied around them.
Fast forwarding to 2019, the new sanctuary built after the most recent fire is a welcoming place that closely resembles the original re-construction of 1896 after the first lightning strike. The congregation’s strong belief in God and comfort in each other’s presence resounds during the worship service.
Originally founded by German settlers in 1865, the church was formed by nine charter families under Rev. Sydney L. Harkey, who came from nearby St. Jacobus Lutheran Church. According to the church’s history, that congregation “agreed to divide because the younger generation preferred to worship in the English language.”
“There’s lots of singing,” enthused Rev. Stokke when asked to describe a typical Sunday morning at St. James today. In addition to readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel, there is a sermon and Holy Communion is held each week at the 10:30 am service.
Like other members of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), St. James practices open communion, meaning that the Eucharist is offered to all baptized Christians.
Twelve-foot tall stained glass windows surround those who assemble in the enduring landmark. The warm glow from morning light filtering through the colorful panes matches Stokke’s enthusiasm for the congregation.
“We’re known for our hand bell choir,” she extols, noting their part in being messengers for Christ in the community. When asked how the community can pray for St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. Stokke’s mind turns to another ministry.
“I should also mention Fresh Start. We put personal care kits together for the students at The New Approach School in Vandalia. Pray that we’re faithful to our calling to serve others.”
Rev. Stokke has been Pastor of the church since 2013. Ordained in 2003, she went to Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She smiles frequently when talking about St. James, adding to the sincerity of her remarks.
“When I worry, I just remember that this is God’s church. Not mine, but God’s.”