The church, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 2015, has been featured in the documentary “We Came a Long Way by Faith: Catholic Hill and St. James the Greater,” by George Wingard.

The anniversary Mass will be celebrated Sept. 13, by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C., who was appointed by Pope Francis in 2020 as the first Black Catholic cardinal in Church history. Bishop Jacque Fabre-Jeune, CS, will concelebrate. The Heritage Choir, composed of members from several parishes, will join St. James choir members to perform antebellum-era spirituals.

St. James the Greater was established in 1826 by Bishop John England to serve plantation owners and the enslaved people they held. England dedicated the first church building in 1833. Irish planters left the area following emancipation, and Vincent de Paul Davis, a formerly enslaved man, is credited with leading the congregation and preserving the church for 40 years while it was without a priest.

In 1897, Father Daniel Berberich accidentally discovered the extant Catholic community and immediately began construction of another church building and a school. The present church was constructed in 1935 to replace the 1897 building, which had burned. The 1897 school building is still used for educational and community services.

The church is furnished with antiques and sanctuary furniture designed specifically for St. James. A large painting in the sanctuary depicting St. Peter Claver ministering to enslaved people was signed in 1894 by European artist Emmanuel Dite. A portrait of Father Berberich and a sketch of Bishop John England by a local artist are featured at the church entrance, along with a list of all the priests who have served the mission since 1826.

Paintings by local artist Becky Lee are on display in the school building. She recently completed a large commemorative work depicting the church’s journey of faith and the leadership of Vincent de Paul Davis. She had previously painted “Catholic Hill — First Communion,” which is also displayed in the building. Locally, St. James the Greater is often called Catholic Hill.

The anniversary weekend events include a historian’s visual presentation, “From Slavery to Sanctuary,” a brick dedication for parish families, a banquet and the celebration of the holy Eucharist. The public is invited to all anniversary events, beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 12, at the church, located at 3087 Ritter Road, Walterboro, SC.