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SAINT JAMES'
CHURCH.
Before the building of St. James' Church, services were held in
the upper rooms of two rented cottages in Pleckgate, and later in the building
known as St. Chad's; which also served as a classroom.
In 1873, a disused brickfield at the top of Shear Brow, was
donated and conveyanced, by Mr. William Thomas Carr, a Barrister at Law. For
the building of a Church. Building started immediately. The foundation stone
was laid on Saturday June 28th 1873, by Major Le Gendre Starkie, Past Senior
Grand Warden of England, and Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of East
Lancashire. (Freemason). This event was accompanied by a large procession of
Civic Dignitaries, Church dignitaries, Orange Lodges, Freemasons, and many
others. The Architects were Stevens.-and
Robinson, of Derby, and the Builders was Edward Lewis of Blackburn.
A Building Committee was set up to raise funds, and among those who subscribed
were, William Carr, The Duke of Buccleuch, Henry Fielden, MP , Daniel Thwaites,
and many others. The cost of building was £4,200 the majority of which was
raised through subscription. When built the Church had seating for 644, of
which 283 were appropriated at charges of l/6d. 2/-, and 2/6d, the rest being
free.
On Monday June 8th. 1874, St. James' was consecrated by Dr. Fraser; Bishop of Manchester. The service was attended by all the clergy in the Rural Deanery of Blackburn, also there was the Rev. J. Ingham of Chatburn, there was a large congregation, mainly of women. In 1875 an organ, built by Messrs Whitely of Chester was purchased, also in 1875, the Church was assigned by the commisioners, enabling marriages to be solemnized.
The Rev George Whalley, was the first Vicar, and served until
1885, he had been involved at St. Chads from 1870.
Mr Carr
donated extra land and a Day School was built in 1877, the Vicarage being built
in 1879. The Magazine was started in 1894, between ,1875 and 1894 very little
is known.
In 1895, the first Confirmation took place on Wednesday, January
8th. The service was conducted by Bishop Cramer Roberts, who was then the Vicar
of Blackburn.
The
Church was originally built without the tower, though a line drawing on the
cover of the first magazine shows it with a substantial tower and clock. At a vestry meeting in 1899 it was resolved
that funds would be raised to build a tower.
In March 1900 the Vicar was informed by the executors of the late Mr
Bolton that he had bequeathed £1,000 for this purpose, on condition that the balance
be raised and the work be completed in 5 years. In 1902 the two daughters of
Mr. Bolton indicated that they would complete the tower at their own expense.
The Architect was Mr. R.A.Gradwell of Blackburn, and the tower be 85ft high and
surmounted by a slated spire and vane, making a total height of 120ft. The
tower was dedicated in 1903.
On
October 12th. 1905, at 6-30pm fire broke out in the east end of of the church,
destroying the organ and causing considerable damage to the roof and fabric of
the church. The church was closed for for repairs and redecoration until may
1906, a new organ having been installed and the lighting changed from gas to
electric. The service of rededication was conducted by the Vicar the Rev,
W.H.Palmer, and the organ dedicated by the Rev, J.A.Rushton, Rural Dean and
Vicar of Balderstone.
Due to fuel shortages during the severe winter of 1947 services
were held in the school.
In August 1975, it was proposed that the
spire be removed but fortunately on advice of the Architect consulted this idea
was abandoned
In 1966 the wooden panelling in the arch over the entrance doors was replaced by three etched glass panels, one of the Holy Spirit and two of Angels. These were designed and etched by Garth Edwards, A.T.D. a member of the Parochial Church Council. Over the next two years, a Babtistry, a memorial corner, and a memorial Chapel in the North aisle were provided. This Chapel was used for the first time on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, in January 1968. The Altar was a gift from Blackburn Cathedral.