St. James the Less Scarsdale

05/25/2026

This one always gets me. One more promising life cut short by war. Grateful to be able to bear witness to these boys' memory. Again, see the bio, prepared by Russell Grant of our history committee, below.

Our last post for today as we remember some of the young men of our parish who never returned home. The radiance of his smile is a heartbreaking reminder of the cost of war. This Memorial Day, let's not forget to pray for lasting peace throughout the world.

"John Parker Compton’s short life was one of privilege, valor, and profound sacrifice. Born into an immensely wealthy family, he learned to ski at the prestigious Le Rosey School in Switzerland. He left Princeton University after just two months to enlist in the U.S. Army. Compton joined the 10th Mountain Division, a unit renowned for its specialized training in mountainous and winter warfare, alongside a group of elite skiers.

He turned down the opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School, choosing instead to stay with his friends in G Company. On March 3, 1945, during an assault on N**i defenses in Iola, Italy, Compton was killed instantly by a sniper's bullet. He was 20. He is buried at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial. A plaque in the north transept at St. James the Less honors his service and sacrifice." (Written by Russell Grant, chair of the St. James History Committee)

05/25/2026

For Memorial Day, another young man from our church whose life we honor this weekend. Read more about him below.

William Denton Bloodgood, d. 1941
His draft card listed him as an Actor. Like so many young soldiers in our graveyard, his ambitions were tragically cut short in service to our country during WWII. Here is another bio from parishioner Russell Grant, chair of our history committee:

"First Lieutenant William Denton Bloodgood courageously served as a pilot during World War II, flying aboard a B-17. On July 2, 1941, Lt. Bloodgood and nine other brave men departed from Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, bound for their target—the Lorient Submarine Base, a key French naval installation that had fallen under N**i control after the fall of France. Their plane was spotted with an engine ablaze and reportedly exploded just moments after passing over the target area. Lt. Bloodgood's remains were never recovered, and he is honored on Wall of the Missing at the Brittany American Cemetery of St. James in Normandy. He was 23 years old. His valor was recognized with both the Air Medal and the Purple Heart."

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord. +
And remember the church is open all day today for quiet reflection.

05/24/2026

Re-sharing this post from prior years, as we remember again all the young men of our parish who died in war. Thanks to Russell Grant of our history committee for writing these bios. A blessed Memorial Day weekend to all.

Dwight Beardsley Eldred, Jr.
He was among those who liberated 30,000 from Dachau. Though he didn't make it that far, he was one of many who helped lead his division, and our country, to victory. It's a privilege to be at a church with a graveyard, especially this Memorial Day weekend when we remember all those in our parish who (in the words of the prayer for heroic service, which we said in church today) "in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy." Thank you to Russell Grant, chair of our history committee, who put together the bios we'll share tonight and tomorrow.

"Dwight Beardsley Eldred, Jr. is buried in the churchyard at Saint James the Less.
Sergeant Eldred served in the 42nd (Rainbow) Division. The Rainbow Division broke
through the Siegfried Line in March,1945. Continuing on, they moved across the Rhine and captured Wertheim am Main on April 1. Sergeant Eldred was killed in action crossing the Main River during the attack on Würzburg on April 3, 1945. He was 19. Members of the 42nd Division, along with two other US Army divisions, liberated 30,000 imprisoned in the death camps at Dachau on April 29th."

Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual shine upon him. +

05/19/2026

Join us this Saturday at the St. James playground and adjacent rectory. Parents and Mo. Storm are hosting young families from 10 - 11:30 am with coffee, pastries and snacks. No need to RSVP--just come as you can!

05/13/2026

Join us after church May 17 as Mo. Storm leads our kids in a short class on Holy Communion for elementary-age kids. Those who would like may then join her at the altar on Sunday May 31 to experience the service up close! This is a St. James the Less tradition and loads of fun.

05/12/2026

Everyone knows we have some amazing women in this parish. Last week, Cheryl Smith accepted the Legacy of Service Award from Children's Village during their annual gala in NYC. Then on Sunday, we celebrated the recipient of this year's Audrey Davies Award for Outstanding Service to St. James, Tracy Haffner. She'll be joining the sisterhood with Cheryl and many other incredible volunteers here. I have to quote Cheryl when I asked her if I could post this: "Yes, feel free to share. Hopefully we can inspire others to serve." That's what she--and all these women--do. We're so grateful.💕

05/08/2026

The choir is excited to share more great music this weekend - we are practicing "If ye love me" by by the English composer Thomas Tallis.

04/30/2026

Curious about music in the Episcopal Church? Join our Organist and Music Director, Victoria Shields, after service to explore hymns, service music, psalms, and more! Choir members will be there to help and "demonstrate" as she leads us through some basics and fun facts about music in the Episcopal Church.

04/29/2026

Our Outreach Committee sponsored Mother's Day Diaper Drive kicked off this week and will run through May 8. We're collecting diapers and wipes for the Westchester County Diaper Bank, which works with the Westchester Department of Social Services to distribute diapers to families in need. Diapers in larger sizes (5 & 6) are most requested, but all sizes are welcome. An Amazon wish list has been set up for convenience.

Donations can be dropped off in the Parish Hall or shipped directly to the church. Please consider a donation and many thanks for your generosity!

04/27/2026

This April has been a season defined by the beauty of the sacraments. We are so grateful for the grace we've witnessed these last few weeks!

04/22/2026

Fourteen confirmations and four baptisms--what a Sunday we had! These kids worked hard to get here, and I'm so proud of them all. Thanks Bishop Matt for making it such a festive and meaningful day!! (-Mo. Storm)