Saint James parish is composed of several Arabic nationalities. The majority of whom are Jordanians. Prior to 1993 the Arabic Christian Orthodox community in Greater Cincinnati attended services at different churches in the area.

The urge to have their own church, the community sought the aid of the Antiochian Archdiocese. In turn the Archdiocese provided Father George Shaheen as a temporary priest. With the commitment and dedication of the parishioners, the former Branch Hill elementary school was bought in 1995. The gym was converted to house the new church and Father Shaheen performed the dedication service in the presence of the parishioners and the media.

Since 1995 several priests served Saint James Church. The Church land has experienced several renovations and upgrades, last of which was the new Church hall and paved parking lot.

In 2009 St. James hosted its first Midwest Parish Life Conference.