St. James

St. James Church was established in July 1949 to serve the rapidly growing Catholic population in central Irondequoit. The parish was founded during the post-World War II suburban boom, when young families were moving out of Rochester's crowded neighborhoods to the new developments being built across Irondequoit.

Father Francis M. Feeney was appointed the founding pastor and immediately set to work building a church for his new congregation. Remarkably, the church was dedicated less than a year later on May 30, 1950—a testament to both the urgency of the need and the dedication of the founding parishioners. Father Feeney would continue to serve St. James for three decades, retiring in September 1979 after 30 years as the parish's only pastor.

Father Robert C. Bradler continued this tradition of long pastorates, serving for 16 years from 1979 to 1995. This stability gave St. James a strong foundation as the parish matured alongside the Irondequoit community.

Today, St. James is part of the Peace of Christ Parish, along with St. Ambrose Church. The parish continues to serve the Irondequoit community, carrying forward over 75 years of Catholic presence in central Irondequoit.