St. James Church in McMinneville, Oregon represents Post-Vatican II Catholic architecture and design. The church was completed in 1981 under the architectural vision of Phillip Settecase.
The church showcases modern liturgical design with several notable artistic elements. Settecase designed the altar, presider’s chair, and ambo as integrated liturgical furnishings. The baptismal font was also created by the architect as part of the cohesive interior design scheme.
The church features stained glass work by Gerry Veley, including architectural glass installations throughout the space. Marge Johansson created the Stations of the Cross, which were hand-woven and designed specifically for the church’s interior in 1981.
The building is documented as an important example of contemporary Catholic church architecture in Oregon. The collaborative effort between architect, glass artist, and fiber artist reflects the Post-Vatican II emphasis on integrating artistic craftsmanship with liturgical function in sacred space design.
