BEAUMONT, Texas — Saint James United Methodist Church will mark its 150th anniversary with a special celebration service this Sunday, November 16th at 2 p.m., honoring a legacy that has made it a cornerstone of Beaumont's African American community since 1875.

The historic church, now in its third location, began humbly without a building, with congregants meeting in homes before eventually securing their own space. Over the past century and a half, Saint James has been influential throughout the city, with many early members serving as doctors, nurses, and lawyers, according to Reverend Emanuel D. Echols, the church's lead pastor.

"Saint James has been a pillar in the African American community," Echols said, noting that descendants of those original members continue to be part of the c

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