BALTIMORE — The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., 12th Administrator and first African-American to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be the keynote speaker at St. James’ 190th Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. St. James’ Episcopal Church is located at 829 N. Arlington Avenue in Baltimore City.
The St. James’ Homecoming service culminates the 190th Anniversary Year celebrations. The theme is “190 Years of Shining our Light through Faith, Love and Service.” Matthew 5:16.
St. James’ is the third oldest African-American Episcopal congregation in the United States and the oldest south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The congregation has been a mainstay in the City of Baltimore since 1824, having been founded during slavery. Nevertheless, through sheer perseverance and God’s deep and abiding grace, the Church survived and this year celebrates its 190th year of dedicated service to God in Baltimore City and abroad. From slavery to present, this historic congregation continues to change hearts and transform lives in Baltimore City through youth, outreach and social ministries.
“We chose Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr. (USMC-Ret.) as our speaker because he has transformed the lives of so many, not only at NASA but also throughout the global community with his commendable service to our country. Administrator Bolden is inspiration to both the young and “young at heart,” said Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson, rector of St. James’ Church.