Senior pastor Jack Van Son has been a full-time preacher at St. James Church of Central City since September 2022 but was serving as pastor since May of the same year. Pastor van Son has as rich a history as St. James Church. He’s lived all over the US. For the past six years, he has made mid-Gilpin County his home.

He was formerly Associate Pastor at Christ The King Community Church, Black Hawk, and Teaching Pastor at Christ The Answer Church, Golden. His current church, St. James, was organized on July 10, 1859, making it the oldest Protestant congregation in Colorado and the oldest church building in Colorado still being used as a church.

The building is home to what may be the oldest public library in Colorado, established in 1868. St. James Church is a non-denominational Christian church, with a worship service that is a combination of both traditional and contemporary worship elements.

Its youngest member is 18 with members over 70. St. James’ mission is to carry out the commission given to all believers by Jesus Christ to “Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

The church provides a safe place where all are welcome to gather in Christian worship and fellowship; to preach and teach the whole Word of God; provide pastoral care, minister to the community of believers and non-believers alike; to provide help to those in need through community outreach; inspiring people to be who God created them to be, helping them to find their place in the Kingdom of God, develop their faith in God and live their potential in Christ.

Ermel’s Thrift Shop is an outreach ministry of St. James, where proceeds from sales are distributed to those in need throughout Gilpin County. St. James worship is held Sunday morning at 10 a.m., followed by fellowship.

Fellowship and Bible Study take place on Thursdays at 6 p.m. St. James is the only church in the Central City, Black Hawk, and Nederland areas open during the week, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to join the pastor during a Passover Seder in the first week of April. The date is to be announced soon. On Easter Sunday, Pastor Van Son’s favorite holiday to preach, the church will host a sunrise service at Coeur d’Alene mine in Central City, followed by a song service and fellowship breakfast at the church.

St. James Church of Central City is located at 123 Eureka Street, Central City. You can reach them by calling 303-582-5882.