Our History: A Catholic Presence in the White Lake Community

For generations, Catholics in the White Lake area have gathered in faith, celebrated the Sacraments, served their neighbors, and built a community centered on Jesus Christ. The history of St. James is filled with remarkable stories of faith and perseverance, including a church moved across a frozen lake, generations of parishioners serving the community, and even a historic church bell that found its way home after nearly 50 years.

The Beginning of St. James

St. James Catholic Church traces its beginnings to 1875, when the parish established its first church in Whitehall.

Only a year later, parishioners decided the church needed to be closer to where most Catholic families were living on the opposite side of White Lake. During the winter of 1876, the wooden church was placed on skids and teams of draft horses pulled the entire building across the frozen waters of White Lake and up the steep western shore.

The church was moved to a location south of downtown Montague, where it would serve generations of Catholics for the next 82 years.

A New Home on Dowling Street

As the parish community continued to grow, St. James began another chapter in its history. In 1958, a new church and school complex was constructed on the parish's current 26-acre campus on Dowling Street.

St. James Catholic School opened in 1962, continuing the parish's commitment to Catholic education and the formation of young people. The school served generations of families before closing in 2007.

A Tradition of Faith and Service

Throughout its history, St. James has sought to serve not only its parishioners but the entire White Lake community.

For many years, the parish has supported outreach efforts such as the White Lake Giving Tree, providing food and Christmas gifts to families in need throughout the area. The parish has also operated a community clothing closet, offering clothing to those in need.

These ministries reflect a tradition that continues today: living the Gospel by recognizing Christ in our neighbors and generously serving those around us.

A Mother Parish

St. James has served as a mother parish since its earliest years. At one time, priests from St. James served as many as seven mission churches throughout the surrounding area.

Today, the Catholic communities of the White Lake area continue that shared tradition of faith through St. James Catholic Church in Montague, Our Lady of the Assumption in Rothbury, and St. John the Baptist in Claybanks.

Together, our communities continue the mission begun by generations of Catholics before us: celebrating the Eucharist, passing on the Catholic faith, welcoming newcomers, and bringing the love of Christ to the communities we serve.

The Historic St. James Bell

One of the most fascinating pieces of St. James history is a 934-pound brass church bell dating to 1885.

• 1885 | A Bell for St. James
  On June 20, 1885, Fr. Edward LaFevre ordered a bell for St. James Catholic Church from Henry McShane & Co. in Baltimore, Maryland.The solid brass bell arrived in Montague by railroad on July 30, 1885, and was installed in the church tower.
• 1958–1960 | The Bell Leaves St. James
  When the former church and rectory on Sheridan Street were sold in 1958, the bell remained behind. Around 1960, the bell was removed and eventually given to the Town Criers, a booster organization associated with Whitehall High School. It was later painted red and white, mounted on a wooden cart, and used as a school spirit bell in parades and other activities. For years, few realized the bell's true history.
• 2005 | A Surprising Discovery
  In 2005, St. James parishioner Paula Martin suggested refurbishing the old spirit bell as a gift from Whitehall's Class of 2007. When the layers of red and white paint were removed, something unexpected appeared beneath them: solid brass and the inscription: “Henry McShane & Co., Baltimore, MD, 1885.” Research with the McShane Bell Foundry revealed that the bell had originally been made for St. James Catholic Church.
• The Bell Comes Home
  With assistance from local businesses, the historic bell was restored and its cradle recast. After decades away from the parish and nearly 50 years of mystery surrounding its origins, the bell was returned to St. James. 
  Today, the bell remains a remarkable connection to the generations of Catholics who built and sustained the parish and a reminder of the enduring Catholic presence in the White Lake community.
  Bell history adapted from reporting by Eric Gaertner, The Muskegon Chronicle, September 16, 2008.

Pastors of St. James

For more than 150 years, St. James has been blessed by the priests who have served the parish and helped guide generations of Catholics in the White Lake community.