Saint James is dedicated to making the love of God real every day. The responsible stewardship shown by Tower Society members is an important part in achieving that mission.

The Saint James Tower Society was formed in 2003 to honor those individuals who have designated gifts which may benefit the parish for years to come. They have done this either through their wills or other planned gifts to Saint James or by outright gifts to the Saint James Endowment Fund during their lifetime. The Tower Society recognizes this generosity, and through it the congregation expresses its gratitude for their legacies.

By their generosity the members of the Society are securing the future of Saint James Church and its missions as well as thanking God for His generous grace throughout their lifetimes. They are returning a portion of God's blessings to the work of the church.

How do I become a member of the Tower Society?

There are many ways to join this group of honored givers, and each of these avenues not only furthers the work of the parish, but also may offer tax advantages to you and your heirs.

The simplest way

to become a member of the Tower Society is by making a direct gift to the Saint James Endowment Fund, which is managed by our own Board of Endowment Trustees. You may restrict your gifts as to purpose and use. If you prefer, the amount of the gift will remain confidential, or you may wish to create a fund named in your honor. Gifts of appreciated assets may avoid capital gains taxes and may yield an immediate income tax deduction for you. Thus the full value of your gift may benefit Saint James.

A second simple method

is through your will. You may make Saint James the beneficiary of cash, securities, and some other kinds of property. You may designate specific amounts or a percentage of your estate, or you may make Saint James a residual beneficiary of your estate, which is determined after all your specific bequests, expenses, and taxes are paid.

A third simple action

is to make Saint James Episcopal Church a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. The policy may become the property of the church, and you pay the premiums through charitable gifts to the church. Saint James receives the full benefit of the policy when you die.

Finally

one of the most tax-efficient means of giving to the church is by naming Saint James Episcopal Church a beneficiary of all or a portion of an IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plan in the event of your death. Such gifts escape both income tax and estate tax.

Additional Donor Methods:

Current Gifts with Income Retained - Planned Giving

During your lifetime, you may make gifts of cash, securities or other property and retain a stream of income for yourself or other designated beneficiaries. You may receive a charitable gift tax deduction for a portion of your gift. At your death or at the death of surviving beneficiaries, the principal is released to Saint James Church.

The major options for these planned gifts are a Pooled Income Fund, a Charitable Gift Annuity, a Charitable Remainder Trust or variations of these plans. These types of gifts are generally administered by financial institutions such as the Episcopal Church Foundation, or by banks and other trust companies. Because these plans can be carefully tailored to meet your wishes, it is best to consult your lawyer or financial advisor in setting up such gifts. You can also get further information on structuring these plans from the Director of Stewardship.

JOINING THE SOCIETY