News Summary
St. James the Less Catholic Church in Savannah, GA, has completed major renovations to its sanctuary, funded through a $15.5 million capital campaign. The rededication ceremony, led by Bishop Stephen D. Parkes, highlighted the improvements made to enhance the worship environment. These changes aim to create a more inviting space for community connection and spiritual upliftment, aligning with the church’s vision to enrich parishioners’ worship experience.
Savannah, GA – St. James the Less Catholic Church has officially completed significant renovations to its sanctuary as part of a $15.5 million capital campaign, “Charging Forward in Faith and Education.” The rededication ceremony was held on August 3, 2025, presided over by the Most Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah, during the 11:30 a.m. Mass. The project aimed to enhance the worship environment, creating a space that fosters a deeper connection with the community and a sense of spiritual upliftment.
Rev. Daniel Firmin, the Pastor of St. James, has emphasized the renovations’ focus on creating a more inviting and meaningful worship area without expanding the church’s structure. The church’s renovation journey began in late 2019, as the Parish Council and Finance Committee identified key areas for improvement. However, work was halted in March 2020 due to the pandemic but resumed in fall 2022 after a feasibility study led to collaboration with Felder & Associates, a renowned architectural firm from Savannah.
In less than two years, over 75% of the funding for the renovation project was successfully raised before the work commenced on the sanctuary. The architectural firm, supported by experts from Conrad Schmitt Studios, focused on revitalizing the church’s interior to achieve a cohesive design that resembled the aesthetics of Renaissance art.
During the renovation, the areas around the sanctuary underwent substantial changes, with attention to detail, including resurfaced interiors devoid of additional square footage, new flooring, and illuminated stations of the cross. The redesign also featured a starry sky ceiling adorned with lanterns and imported Italian altars and statues, all contributing to a more vibrant and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Executing this renovation was Garbutt Construction Company, chosen for its reputation for quality and pre-construction expertise. King Richard’s Liturgical Design was contracted to design new altar fixtures and artifacts, underscoring the emphasis on high-quality ecclesiastical art and furnishings. The collaboration aimed to blend wood and marble, enhancing the visual appeal of the altar.
In tandem with the renovations in the sanctuary, the adjacent school buildings are set to be refurbished this fall, focusing on enhancing both student security and space used for academic purposes.
The $3 million sanctuary renovation represents a significant milestone within the overall capital campaign. As renovations were underway, Mass services were held in alternative locations, including a basketball court, ensuring that worship continued uninterrupted during the changes. Positive feedback from congregants highlighted their enthusiasm for the new aesthetics and the thoughtful enhancements made to the spiritual environment.
During the rededication, Bishop Parkes delivered a homily emphasizing the importance of beauty in places of worship and its strengthening role in spiritual connection. The renovations are anticipated to not only improve the overall worship experience but also increase congregation attendance as attendees are drawn to beautiful spaces that enrich their faith.
Rev. Firmin expressed optimism that the newly revitalized environment would encourage ongoing religious attendance, further enhancing parishioners’ worship experience. With the completion of St. James the Less Catholic Church’s renovations, both longtime attendees and new congregants are excited about the church’s renewed aesthetics and spiritual significance within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: St. James the Less Looks More Like Heaven
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Realtor: Unique Savannah Midcentury Modern Church for Sale
- Google Search: St. James the Less Catholic Church
- Cape Gazette: Groome Church Plans Major Renovations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architecture
- WTOC: Historic Savannah Church Reeling from Flood
- Google News: Savannah Church
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
