The history of the English service at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Taichung goes back to the beginnings of St. James’ Church itself. As early as 1955, family members of the American military personnel in the Taichung area gathered as a congregation to worship with Fr. Walter P. Morse (SSJE) who traveled down from Taipei to celebrate Holy Eucharist. The congregation was called St. James’ Church and met in the military compound, making it almost impossible for outsiders to attend its services. Three years later, securing the assistance of Fr. Paul B. Denlinger, who just arrived as professor at Tung Hai University, the congregation moved to various locations in Taichung as it continued to grow, now with local residents as part of its congregation. With a confirmation service in 1961, St. James’ congregation became St. James’ Episcopal Church, a mission church.

After a succession of clergy, acquisition of land, and the forming of a Chinese congregation, the present church building was erected in 1970. St. James’ is now a thriving parish with a Chinese congregation, English congregation, kindergarten, counseling center, community center, and language institute. The English congregation of St. James’ services continues to celebrate Holy Eucharist on Sundays, and to meet together for community and discipleship as we seek to live as witnesses to Jesus here in Taichung.

For the most up to date information and news about the English congregation events, please see our congregation’s Facebook page (linked to the right).