of Hills, Gilbertson and Hayes. The basement of the church was transformed into a parish hall and the interior of the worship space was updated. The renovation included a new paint scheme and simplified altar furnishings. On October 26, 1988 Pope John Paul II elevated St. James Church to the rank of a minor basilica. Bishop James S. Sullivan presided at the dedication liturgy on July 23, 1989. The Apostolic Brief, which raised St. James to the basilica status, is located near the southwest entrance into the church building. Architecture The basilica is a cross-shaped structure that measures and at the transept. The building itself is high and the twin towers that flank the main facade are . The spires on the towers are capped with 23 carat gold-leaf crosses. The foundation is rock faced, trimmed granite. The exterior walls are covered in Hebron brick and they are trimmed in Bedford stone. The seating capacity of the church is 650 with another 100 able to fit in the choir loft. The stained glass windows that depict scenes from the life of Christ were installed by the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in 1918. References External links St. James’ Website Religious organizations established in 1879 Roman Catholic churches completed in 1914 Basilica churches in the United States Churches in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fargo Gothic Revival church buildings in North Dakota Buildings and structures in Jamestown, North Dakota Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in North Dakota Tourist attractions in Stutsman County, North Dakota National Register of Historic Places in Stutsman County, North Dakota 20th-century Roman Catholic church buildings in the United States 1914 establishments in North Dakota