Over 100 years of feeding and tending God's sheep.


1101 N. Broadway St.

Knoxville, Tennessee 37917

(865) 523-5687

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Holy Eucharist I -  Sundays @ 8 am

Holy Eucharist II - Sundays @ 10:30 am

Centering  Prayer - Mondays @ 6 pm

Evening  Prayer - Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 5:30 pm

Anglican Rosary - Thursdays @ 5:30 pm

Community Labyrinth - 4th Saturday @ 10 am to 2 pm 


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David Ratcliffe's Story
Frank Laszlo • June 7, 2022

As a lead-in to David’s story, I’d like to introduce you to his father, Mr. Frank N. Radcliffe, Chairman of the St. James Memorial Committee. 1947 – 1964. The Radcliffe’s were one of the original families to join St. James in 1923, following the closing of Church of the Epiphany.


They were very active in almost every aspect of the church.  We know that his three sons served as acolytes, youth group members, Boy Scouts, and choristers. As adults, the oldest son served with the U.S. Navy during World War Two, reaching the rank of Lt. Cmdr.  The next oldest became an executive in the insurance business.  Their youngest, David, served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

 

Mr. Radcliffe’s first wife, Mrs. Jessie Radcliffe was a member of the Girl’s Friendly Society, the Women’s Auxiliary (forerunner of ECW), and loved to head fashion shows and ‘balls.’ Mr. Radcliffe served on several vestries, and held many offices; i.e. Secretary, Jr. Warden and Sr. Warden, and was chair of the music and the finance committees.  Therefore it was no surprise that in 1947, he was elected St. James’s first memorial committee chair.


During 1949-1950, Mr. Radcliffe coordinated the design and installation of the first stained glass project at St. James.  It would be known as the Louise Hopper’s memorial window.  Mrs. Hopper was the wife of Rev. Eugene Hopper, long time rector at St. James.  The window was installed above the high Altar in the same location as the original windows from the Church of the Epiphany.   It is often referred to as the “Altar” or “Welcoming Christ” window.  The following year, Mr. Radcliffe coordinated four additional windows with Connick Associates of Boston to be installed in the porch area.  These windows are often referred to as the “Archangel” windows.


In 1952, tragedy struck the Radcliffe family.  They learned of their son’s disappearance on the battlefields of Korea.  David Radcliffe had served just two weeks in Korea when he went missing. 2nd Lt. David Radcliffe was assigned to the 65th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, responsible for securing Hill No. 223 in North Korean territory.  Lt. Radcliffe led an all Puerto Rican unit that later became the most decorated unit in the 3rd Infantry Division.  During the assault, they were under very heavy fire and were ordered to return to their home base so they may reorganize.  During this time, eight soldiers were discovered missing, including Lt. Radcliffe.  The U.S. Army presumed all were dead or taken prisoner by the North Koreans.  Their remains were never found, and the North Koreans had no record of them taken prisoner.  We are unsure of the commendations given to the seven other enlisted soldiers, but we do know that 2nd Lt. Radcliffe was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and five medals of valor in combat.  Within weeks of the end of the Korean War, the Radcliffes received notice from the War Department that their son was officially declared “Missing in Action.”       


In early 1955, the Radcliffe family wished to sponsor a memorial window for David.  Mr. Radcliffe, as the memorial committee chair, was called to coordinate its design and installation.  Little did the family know seven years earlier that Mr. Radcliffe would someday memorialize his own son’s window.  Mrs. Radcliffe was especially concerned that without the remains of her son, a proper eulogy could not be given nor placed on a headstone above an empty casket.  Connick Associates were called on to work with Mrs. Radcliffe in the design of her son’s window.  She was adamant that a eulogy and Purple Heart be displayed in the window.  David’s eulogy is as follows.  “In memory of David Van Cott Radcliffe, lost in Korea 1952.  Lord Jesus receive my spirit.” 


Mr. Radcliffe continued to coordinate the design and installation of the majority of stained glass windows found in our nave until his death in 1964.  


The Radcliffe window can be seen on the south wall of the nave, the first window beyond the narthex screen.  St. Stephen and St. Paul are depicted in the designs.  Please take a moment to view the window and be sure to look for David’s Purple Heart.

By John Mark Wiggers March 27, 2025
Lent is a season when we are particularly called to consider our sins and to amend our ways. Many of the messages we hear in our culture tend to focus on the sins of an individual. The witness of scripture places as much emphasis on corporate sins. In the story of Jonah, the whole city is called to repent. Prophets like Amos deliver the call for all those in power to stop mistreating the poor. In Nehemiah 5, we hear the story of Nehemiah gathering a great assembly to call for the leaders to stop the unfair lending practices harming their community. As faithful people, we are called to consider the ways that our life together touches the lives of others.
By John Mark Wiggers March 20, 2025
I am writing this on the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19). This character in God's salvation story has an intriguing supporting role. He chooses to protect Mary and the expectant child despite the possible scandal. Joseph finds himself fleeing for Egypt to protect the newborn Jesus. We don't otherwise hear much from or about Joseph in scripture. He is a faithful person who sought to follow God in tough situations.
By Tim Lett March 7, 2025
Get ready to jingle all the way to the "Smoky Mountain Ring" - a sensational showcase of talent and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, April 5 @ 4:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, (9076 Middlebrook Pike), where The Bells of St. James will be ringing in harmony with several other talented handbell choirs under the expert guidance of clinician Brenda Austin. This vibrant concert is more than just a musical event; it's a heartwarming celebration of connection, inclusivity, and the joy of coming together as a community. We can't wait to see you there!
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers March 7, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, We enter the season of Lent. Lent can seem very focused on the individual. For sure, we are called to consider our sinfulness and mortality. We do not stay there, but turn our hearts to God's forgiveness and grace.
By Jeremy Meyers February 27, 2025
Get ready to flip for joy because Shrove Tuesday is THIS TUESDAY (Mar 4)! Join us in the Parish Hall at 6 pm to 8 pm for a delightful evening filled with fluffy buttermilk pancakes and a smorgasbord of toppings that'll make your taste buds dance! Were even bringing out some classic, time-honored shrove pancake recipes that are sure to warm your heart. But wait, theres more! Come hungry and bring your family and friends for a night of fun, laughter, and the chance to snag some awesome door prizes! Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this delicious community gathering. Tickets are flying fast, so grab yours now for just $5 (adults) and $2 (children). And hey, if you're feeling the call to help out, we'd love to have you volunteer! Arrive at 5 pm to help with setup and prep so we can make this event a huge success together! RSVP at THIS LINK today! Remember, this isn't just about pancakes; it's about coming together as a community, sharing joy, and supporting our outreach initiatives.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers February 27, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, I don't want to get too far ahead, but Lent is approaching. The tradition of the Church calls for a time of fasting and repentance. That often involves giving something up or taking something on. I recommend that folks keep it simple and be kind to themselves. We aren't doing these things to earn God's favor. We take up these practices to turn our hearts towards God. This turning of our hearts could be called "devotion".
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers February 20, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, We live in a world that bombards us with information. Here I am adding to the mix of ideas and thoughts coming your way. I am reminded of how Jesus often took time to go away to pray. Even without cell phones and constant news, Jesus and those around him were well aware of their world's contentious politics and problems. Jesus spoke to those problems and acted to meet the needs of people. He also empowered his followers to do the same things he did. Jesus took time to pray, teach, and be with folks at meals. Connecting with God and our community nurtures and feed us in the midst of all the demands on our attention.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers February 13, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, We had a busy weekend at St. James. The weather finally allowed us to have our Ministry Marathon. It was a delight to see new and longtime parishioners meeting and sharing to learn about the many opportunities for ministry at St. James. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen. A special hat tip goes to Sharon Teets who gathered folks to plan and implement this event. I know that I learned more about our ministries and the people who make them a reality.
By Ashley Burell February 12, 2025
As ambassadors to the communities where they’ll perform, members of the Maryville College Concert Choir have a timely message for the 2025 Spring Choir Tour: “Times, They Are A-Changing,” but through music, connections can be made and unity can be achieved. The Concert Choir will begin its spring performance season with a 4 pm concert on Sunday, Feb 23, here at St. James.
By Andrew Jeske-Polyak February 12, 2025
One-to-One StorySharing is an intentional conversation between two people who share and receive each other’s stories of what matters most. It is a potent tool for forming community, deepening relationships, identifying gifts, healing brokenness and overcoming resistance; and building a relational culture. It is the basis for Episcopal Evangelism.
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