About us
We are a multi-generational church that believes in connecting community to Faith. We cherish our history; however, we believe that we must be present today as beacons of light sharing the Gospel and Love of Jesus Christ.
Saint James Baptist Church, Inc. is an established church, originally named Hicks Chapel Baptist Church, founded in 1926 by Mrs. Georganna Poole, in which a small group of people gathered at her home to pray and worship the Lord. Although Mrs. Poole was widowed and raising eleven children, she realized the importance of gathering the saints together to pray. Each Wednesday night, she would faithfully lead a small group of friends and family in worship. Later, Mrs. Poole
married Reverend Anderson Sturdivant, who presided as the first pastor. Rev. Sturdivant served as pastor until 1936. In order, Rev. Moses Milligan served as Pastor from 1936 to 1944, Rev. Draper Brown, 1944 to 1955, Rev. William T. Ratliff, 1955 to 1976 (Church was renamed to Saint James Baptist Church, Inc. in 1956), Rev. Walter S. Evans, 1976 to 1981, Rev. Bruce Wright, 1981 to 1983, Rev. George Allison, 1983 to 1988 and Bishop Luther K. Brooks, 1988 to 2018, Pastor Bianca Richardson, 2018 to 2022.
Our Pastor:
Pastor Sheppard Foust, Jr.
Pastor Sheppard Foust, Jr. began serving as Pastor of Saint James Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, on October 18, 2026. He brings a heart for ministry, a commitment to teaching the Word of God, and a vision for advancing the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Foust previously served as Senior Pastor of New Vision Christian Church Center in Durham, North Carolina, beginning in September 2010. During his ministry, he emphasized biblical teaching, discipleship, pastoral care, leadership development, and building a strong and engaged church community.
His ministry experience includes organizational leadership, Christian education, sermon preparation, congregational care, financial stewardship, youth and children's ministry, and community outreach. He has also been involved in initiatives such as Lunch in the Park and Kingdom Common Wealth, reflecting his commitment to ministry that extends beyond the church walls.
Pastor Foust believes in helping people grow in their faith, discover their God-given purpose, and become active participants in the work of the church. His approach to ministry emphasizes spiritual growth, faithful service, and the responsibility of believers to share the love of Christ with others.
As Pastor of Saint James Baptist Church, he is committed to nurturing the spiritual growth of the congregation, strengthening Christian fellowship, reaching the surrounding community, and building upon the church's longstanding spiritual foundation. Through biblical teaching, discipleship, prayer, and service, Pastor Foust seeks to encourage believers to deepen their relationship with God and faithfully fulfill their calling in the Christian faith.
A Warm Welcome from Saint James Baptist Church
The members of Saint James Baptist Church are delighted to welcome Pastor Sheppard Foust, Jr. as our pastor. We look forward to growing together in faith, strengthening our church family, and serving our community under his spiritual leadership. As we begin this new chapter in our church's history, we pray for God's continued guidance, wisdom, and blessings upon Pastor Foust and the entire Saint James congregation. May our shared commitment to Christ lead us to greater fellowship, spiritual growth, and fruitful service in God's Kingdom.