The first record of Episcopal services in Ashland came from the Diocesan Convention journal in 1859 that reported that services were held in Ashland once a month with eight or nine communicants present. In 1863 a bishop reported holding services in Ashland at the Masonic Building. At that time, Ashland was described as a small village where residents of Richmond spent their summers. Several congregations, including Baptists, Methodists and Episcopalians, before their respective churches were built, used the Masonic Building.

St. James the Less has an early link with St. James's Church in Richmond. In May 1865, a priest came to minister temporarily to the church people at the request of the Rector of St. James's, Richmond. Sometime during the summer of 1865, a congregational meeting was held in Ashland and a vestry was elected, the first steps toward forming an independent congregation.

The name for our parish, St. James the Less, came as a result of the link with St. James's in Richmond. Our patron saint was the son of Alpheus, and was one of Jesus’ apostles. As the story is told, he was cast down from a pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, stoned and sawed to death for his faith. May 1st the Feast Day of St. James the Less is celebrated.

The formal birth date of our parish is fixed as May 18, 1866, which was the date the Council of the Diocese of Virginia sanctioned the formation of the new congregation and set its routes and bounds to coincide with the corporation of the Town of Ashland. The congregation continued to use the Masonic Building for worship. In 1875, the first full-time Rector began his ministry. In 1878, construction began on a new church on South Center Street. It was consecrated in 1880.

The congregation grew until, after several additions to and alterations of the old church, new facilities were constructed on the present site. The first worship was held in the new church on June 1, 1958. Since that time the parish has been served by eight rectors.

In 1989, the congregation began another building project to expand and improve its facilities. Many dedicated parishioners helped with planning, fund raising, and oversight. Now, with additional seating in its balcony, more classrooms and an enlarged parish hall, the congregation is able to accommodate the growth of this community.

Our previous rector, the Rev. Canon John McDowell, joined us November 1, 1995 and retired June 12, 2006. His tenure saw significant growth in our congregation and there was much sadness upon his announcement of retirement.  With the support of The Rev. Doug Burgoyne as interim rector, we searched for a new rector.  

We are a very strong and healthy congregation excited about our future.  In February 2007, our new Rector, the Rev. Ed Tracy, joined us to lead our congregation.  We now start a new chapter in the rich life of our church.