St.St. James Lutheran Church was first known as 'Liberty Hill' in Laurens County. It was organized in 1840 by Rev. Herman Aull. It was moved to Jalapa, Newberry County in 1889 and dedicated as St. James. The church building was struck by lightning and destroyed in 1941. It was rebuilt and dedicated, free of debt, the next year. In 1960, a brick-veneer educational building was constructed - free of debt.