St James Church

Since early 1900's, the bell of St. James Church has been a cherished sound in the Original Highlands neighborhood—tolling hourly and calling us together before Mass. 

St. James along with St. Brigid are the only churches in the Highlands with functioning traditional church bells. For over a century, their tolls have echoed through the neighborhood, calling the faithful to prayer, marking the hours of the day, and reminding people of God's presence in their daily lives!

Today, the historic bell at St. James faces challenges. Ongoing mechanical issues interrupt its tolling, and it is neither safe for our staff nor economically practical to continue making temporary adjustments in the bell tower. To ensure the bells ring consistently and safely, essential repairs are needed—beginning with the replacement of the bell control system and, ideally, the motor. Without these improvements, it will be challenging to keep the bells tolling or swinging consistently as they were intended.

Total Cost: $15,000

Bell Control System:  This system will enable the bells to toll using a mechanical strike operated by the control panel. While the sound will not be identical to the original, it will be a close reproduction. This replacement is essential to keep the bells functioning. 
Cost: $7,900

Motor Replacement and Bell Repair: This repair will allow the bell to swing and strike properly, resolving the mechanical issues we face. It will produce the original sound and keep the bell ringing as intended. The new bell control system is still required to operate the bells.  
Cost: $7100 

With your support we can keep the bells of St. James ringing strong and preserve this beautiful tradition for generations to come in the Highlands neighborhood!