Jake Williams, a parishioner at All Saints Parish in Bay City and an 8th grader at All Saints Catholic Middle School, created an elaborate model of St. James Church using balsa wood and bamboo.  After carefully researching and examining the church, Jake spent approximately 60 hours constructing, painting and furnishing the model.

“I wanted to do this because I love Jesus and the Church,” said Jake, who is also an altar server. “I wanted to show society that young people have a place in the Church.”

The model St. James Church was displayed during the All Saints Parish Festival on July 20, where parishioners could get a close look at the carefully rendered sanctuary, painted windows and sculpted crucifix.