The cornerstone of our present church was laid on May 30, 1873, and the structure was consecrated on January 6, 1874.

The architect of the Gothic Revival structure was Horatio Nelson White (1814-1892) of Syracuse, who designed more than 100 church buildings, as well as city halls, courthouses, armories and residences. Those of his surviving buildings on the National Historic Register include the Gridley Building (1867) and Grace Episcopal Church (1876) in Syracuse, the Hall of Languages (1873) at Syracuse University, and City Hall (1870) in Oswego, N.Y.

The contractor for construction was Amos Mason; the foreman was Anthony Aman. The stone was contributed by a member of the parish; the majority of the stained glass windows were given as memorials at the time of construction.

The tower clock (E. Howard & Co.; Boston, Massachusetts) was also given at the time of construction. The bell from the previous St. James’ church building was installed at this time, and a second, larger tower bell (Meneely Bell Co.; Troy, New York) was added in 1893. In 1899, the sanctuary was enlarged.

As for the site itself, parishioners first worshipped there in 1805, in a two-room building which also served as the post office, a store, and a day school. The building was on the property of John Ten Eyck, a Revolutionary War veteran who briefly served as the Skaneateles postmaster. St. James’ first dedicated building went up in 1827, made of wood; it was taken down in 1873 to make way for the present stone building. During construction, the congregation worshiped in Legg Hall.

More on H.N. White here.