Brief History

THE FIRST CHURCH OF ST JAMES AT STEWART'S RIVER WAS BUILT IN 1898 FROM LOCALLY SAWN WOOD SLABS. IT WAS LOCATED AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE PRESENT CHURCH. ORIGINALLY CONSISTING OF A SIMPLE NAVE. A REAR SACRISTY AND PORCH WERE LATER ADDED ON AND IT SERVED THE PEOPLE OF THE AREA FOR SOME 70 YEARS UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED BY THE PRESENT BRICK CHURCH.

THE NEW CHURCH WAS BUILT IN 1964 IN BLONDE BRICK, AND MAINTAINS A TRADITIONAL FEEL WITH ITS WIDE NAVE AND DISTINCT CHANCEL AND NARTHEX. IT PROCLAIMS ITS ALLEGIANCE FROM THE OUTSET WITH THE WHITE CRUCIFIX OVER THE ENTRANCE DOORS.

OTHER CHURCHES IN THE DIOCESE

St Peter the Fisherman - St Johns - Our Lady of Mount Carmel