1868 – 1967

Over the next 100 years St. James’ continued to flourish, however, it remained a small caring parish in a small New England community. Although changes took place from time to time the church continued in its daily duties of providing guidance and support to its’ parishioners. It also became more involved in activities of outreach in the communities surrounding it. More recent activities include the use of the parish building to house the Derby Senior Center for several years, the continuing support of the Valley Food Bank, which has one of its locations at St. James providing food to many needy members of the community, and its housing of two homeless families for a short time which led to the development of Spooner House, a homeless shelter for the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

1967 – 1969

In 1967 plans began for a major addition to the church, to add church school classrooms as well as office space. The addition, as well as complete redecoration of the existing church building, was completed in 1969. A major fire in 1972 required extensive repairs, but would have been disastrous but for fire detectors which had been installed at the time of the building addition.

1970 – Present

In 1970 an experienced relationship of St. James and Immanuel Churches in Ansonia was started, whereby the rector of St. James became the rector of Immanuel, with each parish retaining its own identity, but cooperating in their programs and worship. Over 20 next years this relationship, called the Joint Ministry, thrived, with the parishes becoming more closely involved under 3 different rectors. This culminated in the merger of the two parishes in 1991 as Immanuel St. James Church, located in the St. James building in Derby.

After 260 years as a parish, Immanuel St. James continues to be a small, caring group of people committed to worship and outreach in the communities of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.