The Reverend Jay R. MacKie came to St. James on December 8, 1976. He had previously served at St. Michael and All Angels of Middleton, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Harrisburg, St. James in Bedford, and St. Martin's in Monroeville, all in the state of Pennsylvania.
The MacKie's had three children, Joeseph, Melissa, and Robert. All three children graduated from Titusville High School. The entire family was very active in community affairs.
Father MacKie was active in the Diocese, as well as locally. He was the Dean of the Diocesan Youth Conference and the Diocesan Spiritual Director of Cursillo for four years. He was a member of the Standing Committe for three two-year terms, a member of the Diocesan council, an Ecumenical oficer for two years, and was the deputy to the General Convention in 1985.
Father MacKie encouraged the youth of St. James to attend church more regularly, and also encouraged them to participate more in church life. He portayed Father Christmas, much to the delight of the St. James youth. He held Easter Egg hunts and Halloween parties as well.
The MacKie's left Titusville and moved to California in 1986, where Father MacKie served at the Church of the Holy Innocents, in Corte Medera.
Father MacKie has since passed away, and in his memory, the Guild Room at St. James was extensivly remodeled and dedicated in his name.