The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island is moving forward with plans to restore historic Old St. James Church in Elmhurst, Queens, allowing the St. James congregation to return to its original place of worship after more than 175 years.
The restoration is being made possible through a proposed long-term ground lease of the congregation's current property at 84-07 Broadway. The agreement was approved by the diocesan Standing Committee on October 20, 2026, and now awaits court approval before it can be finalized.
A landmark in New York City's religious history
Built in 1735–1736, Old St. James, located at 86-02 Broadway, is the oldest surviving Anglican church building in New York City and the city's second-oldest surviving religious building.
The land for the church was granted by the town of Newtown, now Elmhurst, in 1733. The congregation received a royal charter from King George III in 1761, and the building served as its principal place of worship until the congregation outgrew its space and a larger church was constructed nearby in 1848. Following this move, the “Old St. James Church” was used as a parish hall.
Old St. James was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 and designated a New York City landmark in 2017.
The proposed ground lease will provide resources needed to restore the historic building and return it to active use by the congregation. Architects and engineers are currently assessing the restoration work, with initial renovations focused on preparing the interior for worship.
The congregation hopes to return to Old St. James before the end of 2026, although a final timeline has not yet been established.
Continuing a tradition of community service
Under the leadership of the Rev. Paul Lai, St. James has cultivated strong relationships throughout Elmhurst's diverse community, opening its facilities to numerous organizations and events, including the beloved Indonesian Food Bazaar and several AA and Al-Anon support groups, some of which have met there for decades.
While the congregation will continue its ministry at Old St. James, the historic building's smaller size means that some activities currently housed at 84-07 Broadway will need to find alternative locations.
St. James leadership and the diocese are beginning conversations with affected organizations to provide advance notice of the anticipated transition and explore opportunities to assist them in identifying other meeting spaces.
The historic cemetery at the current St. James property will remain intact.
The proposed ground lease will also allow for future redevelopment of the current property at 84-07 Broadway, although plans for the site have not yet been finalized.
As the diocese and St. James prepare for this transition, the restoration of Old St. James offers an opportunity to preserve an extraordinary part of New York City's religious heritage while renewing the building's historic purpose as a place of worship and community life.
Additional information will be shared as the remaining approvals are obtained, and restoration plans advance.
Media Contact:
Denise Fillion
Director of Communication
dfillion@dioceseli.org
(516) 248-4800 ext. 120