It has since become a local landmark, signifying religious life at St. James Episcopal Church and a rich history in Montclair.

Nearly a century later, the ravages of time and nature have beaten the cast stone work, leading to deterioration of the leaky tower and a need for extensive restoration.

The structure’s concrete blocks are cracked and flaking. There is eroded masonry and roof damage. The 80-year-old boiler system has served far past its expiration date.

This past Saturday, the Launch of the 2008 Capital Campaign moved a new generation of congregants to maintain St. James’ legacy and mission.

"It’s certainly in need of restoration. It occupies a substantial piece of land, and time has taken its toll," said George Kelley, chair of the capital campaign.

After Saturday’s opening remarks by guest speaker the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, members were motivated to donate and help the church reach its goal of raising $1.6 million for restoration and preservation.

About $1 million in advanced pledges have already come in, but it will take the additional generosity of congregants to meet the goal.

The yearlong campaign calls for pledges that can be paid over a four-year period.

"It involves a significant level of contribution of all of our members," Kelley said.

For those who donate toward the church’s Restoring Our Legacy campaign, a plaque with the name of each donor will be hung in the church.

The church also has applied to the New Jersey Historic Trust for a grant, Kelley said.

St. James is listed on the state Register of Historic Places.

There are about 415 members of the congregation, said the church’s rector, the Rev. John Perris.

"A church is not simply about a building, but its buildings are important to its understanding of what it is and what it does, and as a tool for its ministry," Perris said.

The church also aims to build an endowment for an assistant rector. Perris is the only rector at the church, but for at least 30 years members have felt that two fulltime pastors would further the church’s ministry.

But it has been a struggle. The budget for acquiring an assistant rector has fallen short about $10,000 every year.

Some parishioners also have a "wish list," requesting that certain areas of the church be repaired or renovated, including upgrading the kitchen and bathrooms and enhancing the exterior landscaping.

The church previously launched a capital campaign during the 1970s. The Maintenance Endowment Fund was established at $250,000 annually, and its income is the only source of funding to carry out major capital repairs on the church property and rectory.

But since the endowment usually falls short, the church hopes to increase the account.

"We hope that people will see the importance of its history, particularly the World War I tower," Perris said.

The church, originally erected as the Cliffside Chapel in 1878, is the oldest in Montclair, not to be confused with the oldest congregation organized in Montclair formed in the 1830s in what is now First United Methodist Church, according to former Montclair Historian Royal Shepard.

St. James acquired the Cliffside Chapel in 1888 from a group of local Protestant residents, though a group of Presbyterians owned the property, Shepard said.

While millions more are ultimately necessary to keep the structure in top condition, the $1.6 million goal will fix immediate problems, Perris said.

"We want to make sure that our buildings are in the best of shape to allow us to continue to experience God’s presence and reach out with God’s love to the larger community," he said.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Michele Young, 973-744-0270.

Contact Tanya Drobness at drobness@montclairtimes.com.