Reverend Doctor James Boston and wife Pam St. Luke Episcopalian Church

An archbishop of Canterbury in the middle the twentieth century said, “The church is the only organization that exists primarily for the sake of those who are not part of it.” Many find this to be true, including St. Luke’s Episcopalian Church’s Reverend Doctor James Boston. He and his wife Pam have been contributing to our community for over twenty years and have participated in and organized a variety of programs to help citizens of Grants Pass.

Father Jim Boston has been Reverend of St. Luke’s Episcopalian Church for more than twenty years. Father Jim and Pam have been wonderful influences in the community for this time. They are involved in a number of programs, starting with the Christian Service Network. The CSN is an organization funded and run by the churches of our area to provide support to those in need. Weather it be a small amount of money to pay the electricity bill or a ride to Medford for a medical appointment, the Christian Service Network is standing by to provide care where it is needed most. Father Jim was appointed the first president of the CSN and it is not the only organization he has positively impacted. He is currently the Chairperson for the Substance Abuse Community Action Team. This is a group of both government and private agencies working together to reduce the impact that substance abuse can have on children and families. Also, contributions are put forth along with six to eight other local churches to gather a choir festival every year to sing about praise and love. St. Luke’s opens their doors every week to many twelve-step programs and other prevention programs designed to help struggling or at risk people in our community. Together, Father Jim and Pam contribute their time and efforts to many other organizations, including the Food Bank, the Gospel Rescue Mission, Faith House, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul, just to name a few.

One avenue this duo is most interested in is global mission travel. The couple recently arrived back in the country from their mission to East Africa where they spread the gospel and visited churches all over. Father Jim and Pam were able to dedicate many hours of their time to clean and reestablish large libraries and gather resources for those in need. In the national paper called FACETS, which is the Newsletter of the Global Episcopal Mission Network, Father Jim Father Jim gives an inspiring article about his life as a child born into a Navy family and moving from place to place. This first sparked his love of travel and that emotion has led him to many wonderful experiences. He invites all people to include Christian sharing and learning in their travel plans. A small amount of research can yield large results in searching for foreign Anglican worship, and Father Jim and Pam encourage this act as they have had amazing results and gratification from participating.

With so many organizations demanding Father Jim and Pam’s time, they still have room for more! Father Jim spends many hours each week visiting community members in the hospital when they are ill or having surgery and still has time to read all new publications to deliver inspiring sermons each week.

Father Jim is also the current Treasurer of the National Network of Episcopal Clergy Associations, which was formed in 1970 by a group of clergy who wanted to better their relationships and guidance to their ministries and also support other people with the same desires to achieve education, self-care, advocacy, and spiritual growth. This is exactly what Father Jim and his lovely wife Pam are promoting today and will continue to inspire members of our community and people all around the world to do good for themselves and others.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest church buildings in Grants Pass and is a wonderful site full of local history. The cornerstone was laid in 1894 and in 1895 the first service was held even though the building was not completed until 1896. St. Luke’s has been remodeled many times to accommodate more members and achieved parish status in 1944.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 224 northwest “D” street. The service schedule is as follows: Sundays, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 12:15 p.m. If you would like to become involved or want more information, please visit stlukesgrantspass.org.