Saint James
Presbyterian Church
Worship with us Sundays at 10am
Our Story
Centered in Christ, Inclusion, and Justice
dedicated to transforming lives Since 1867
A Spiritual and Civic Pillar in Greensboro’s Black Community
To fully appreciate the story of Saint James Presbyterian Church, one must recognize the faith and courage of those who came before us and our continued commitment to the vision they ignited. Founded in 1867 by formerly enslaved members of First Presbyterian Church, Saint James has long been a spiritual and civic pillar in Greensboro’s Black community. In 2025, we celebrated 158 years of continuous Christ-centered ministry dedicated to transforming lives.
The roots of our congregation stretch back to a small rented house on Forbis Street, where about thirty men and women began meeting regularly to build a church grounded in worship, education, and justice. From these humble beginnings, Saint James has grown into a vibrant community whose fabric is woven with the threads of faithful pastors and lay leaders.
In the early 1900s, the congregation purchased a house and used it to provide formal education for Black children and adults—offering one of the first such opportunities in Greensboro. Our pastors often served as teachers, continuing the church’s deep legacy of educational advocacy.
Over the decades, Saint James has been led by remarkable pastors committed to Christian education and discipleship.
1946
Reverend J.T. Douglas
Under the dynamic leadership of Reverend J.T. Douglas (1946–1971), we expanded our campus ministry at North Carolina A&T State University and Bennett College and built a new church home on Ross Avenue. In 1959, the congregation moved from Forbis Street to our current location, dedicating the new sanctuary on December 13 of that year.
1973
Reverend Lloyd Green, Jr.
Following Reverend Douglas’s retirement, Reverend Lloyd Green, Jr. began his tenure in 1973, strengthening our Christian Education program and community involvement.
1986
Reverend J. Herbert Nelson II
In 1986, Reverend J. Herbert Nelson II became pastor. His leadership brought renewed focus to outreach efforts such as CROP Walk for Hunger, United Negro College Fund, and Habitat for Humanity. During his tenure, the church completed its stained-glass window project—ten panels designed by artist and church member Eva Hamlin Miller—dedicated in September 1991. Reverend Nathan Byrd also served during this time as associate pastor, focusing on youth, campus ministry, and education.
After Reverend Nelson’s departure in 1997, a series of pastors helped continue the church’s momentum.
1999
Reverend James A. Belle
Reverend James A. Belle, called in 1999, developed fifteen ministry divisions to strengthen church leadership through Session. Reverend Leon Davis joined as associate pastor in 2000.Â
2002
Reverend Dr. Paul N. Ridolfi
In 2002, interim pastor Reverend Dr. Paul N. Ridolfi introduced the Stephen Ministry to enhance congregational care.
2005
Reverend Dr. Diane Givens Moffett
In 2005, Saint James called its first female pastor, Reverend Dr. Diane Givens Moffett. Her tenure marked a season of renewed vision, spiritual growth, and energetic leadership. She emphasized the five purposes of the church—Worship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Discipleship, and Ministry—welcoming more than 200 new members and reinvigorating programs such as Children’s Sunday School and WWW (Wednesday Word and Worship). Her leadership also brought media and technology upgrades and physical renovations throughout the church. In 2018, Dr. Moffett was called to serve as Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
2021
Reverend Dr. Phanta I. Lansden
After a brief transitional period, which included the leadership of Reverend Eustacia Moffett-Marshall and an interim team during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint James called Reverend Dr. Phanta I. Lansden as pastor in 2021.
Under Dr. Lansden’s leadership, the church has grown in membership, financial stewardship, and outward-facing mission. New vision and mission statements were implemented to reflect a focus on community impact. A blessing box outside the church now provides food and supplies to neighbors in a nearby food desert. The church’s budgeting and financial systems have also been revitalized, improving clarity and oversight for leaders. This fresh direction has brought renewed energy to the congregation, with many new members joining and reengaging in church life.
Through it all, Saint James has remained rooted in its commitment to faith, justice, and community transformation—trusting, always, that
the best is yet to come.
