St. James Church, Church Kirk

[Accyexplorer]

HISTORY:
A church has been on the site since 642 AD,This church sometimes referred to as 'church Kirk' was founded by St. Oswald in 1100AD and the font also dates from around the same period.The church is famous for the stained glass windows depicting the four Evangelists (Mathew, Mark, Luke and John) by the artist Burn-Jones.
The tower dates from the late medieval period, and the nave was built in 1804–05.The stained glass in the south nave windows was replaced in 1918 following damage caused by an explosion in a nearby ammunition factory .
The church is constructed in sandstone with slate roofs. In the body of the church the stone is coursed, but in the tower it is uncoursed and roughly hewn. The plan consists of a five-bay nave, a three-bay chancel, and a west tower. The tower is supported by buttresses, and has a low rectangular west door, above which is a three-light Perpendicular window. There are Perpendicular bell openings on three sides of the tower, and a clock on the fourth side.

ENJOY

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[Turtle]

I like the paintings of Burne-Jones, and now I know he designed stained glass windows too! Thanks for this.

[Bob Dobson]

I don't think I've ever been inside this church. I will go to see the windows. There has been a slim book about it. At one time, it was almost the only church around here and couples from far afield married here.

[Bob Dobson]

The parish registers,. between 1600 & 1746/7 have been published as a CD ( Ref No 102) by the Lancashire Parish Register Society

[Accyexplorer]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I don't think I've ever been inside this church. I will go to see the windows. There has been a slim book about it. At one time, it was almost the only church around here and couples from far afield married here.

It's worth a look Bob,The vicar etc are very welcoming.
From what I hear the church is pretty poor as far as donations etc go (gone have the days of folk pasing away an leaving thousands to the church).
I won't tell you how much them windows could fetch if sold but believe me it wouldn't be poor for long (obviously selling the windows is a no go area).
Yes I believe folk came from far an wide to get married in this stunning church.
The belfry has certainly stood the test of time too.

[Retlaw]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

The parish registers,. between 1600 & 1746/7 have been published as a CD ( Ref No 102) by the Lancashire Parish Register Society

I indexed the Church Kirk Regs 1600 - 1805 for Jack Brogden, I'm sure its in the Library somewhere.

[Bob Dobson]

Originally Posted by Retlaw

I indexed the Church Kirk Regs 1600 - 1805 for Jack Brogden, I'm sure its in the Library somewhere.

Jack Broderick(?) I remember him working on those of St Mary's, Altham, too..
It may be that the society haven't got round to publishing them in book form, or that Jack did them as a personal task. - ask [email protected]

[Mick]

I know the rev of this church very well as I look after his computer and broadband
have a look at these photos of one accyweb meet we had a few years ago
we where the last members of the public allowed up the tower
church walk - Accrington Photo Gallery
I would never make it to the top of the tower again with my health

[pinkpanther1]

It's an awesome church with loads of history ,I am a keen metal detectorist and would love the opportunity to uncover some of the history in the area .
Do you think it could be possible ?

[Accyexplorer]

Originally Posted by pinkpanther1

It's an awesome church with loads of history ,I am a keen metal detectorist and would love the opportunity to uncover some of the history in the area .
Do you think it could be possible ?

I think the chances of digging in the grounds of this church would be slim to none PP.You may however find a farmer or resident that will allow you to Persue your hobby/interest (if you do,let us know how it goes).

Does anyone know of any (hidden/secret) tunnels that lay in an around the grounds of this church? I'm pretty sure I heard a rumour about one behind the church about halfway down between the gravestones.

[Atarah]

Originally Posted by Retlaw

I indexed the Church Kirk Regs 1600 - 1805 for Jack Brogden, I'm sure its in the Library somewhere.

Jack Broderick I think you mean!?!

[Bob Dobson]

Originally Posted by Accyexplorer

I think the chances of digging in the grounds of this church would be slim to none PP.You may however find a farmer or resident that will allow you to Persue your hobby/interest (if you do,let us know how it goes).

Does anyone know of any (hidden/secret) tunnels that lay in an around the grounds of this church? I'm pretty sure I heard a rumour about one behind the church about halfway down between the gravestones.

Those who believe in secret tunnels have got tunnel vision. They don't exist. Mythology. Bunkum. Am I getting my point across?

[Accyexplorer]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

They don't exist. Mythology. Bunkum. Am I getting my point across?

Do you know this as Fact Bob?
The person who told me is a close friend,they have No reason to lie,they seemed pretty convinced at least one does exist.Obviously I don't want to encourage folk getting out a spade an digging up the graves but it could be a good historical find (if it/they exist).

Am I getting my point across?

[Jim Procter]

My Mum and Dad were married here in 1930,and I was christened in the font pictured in 1931. I sung in the choir for many years,and I remember the old place with great affection.
Communion at 8oclock, Morning Service at 10-30 Sunday School in the afternoon and Evensong at 6-30.Sundays were a special day then, but how things have changed.I now blame religion for a lot of the worlds problems and the only time that I ever go to Church is Births,Marriages and Deaths and only then if I have been invited. I would never enter a Church by choice.In the course of my life I have gone from one extreme to the other.Does anyone else feel like me about religion?

[cashman]

I agree entirely Jim, n i have also gone to the other extreme. Although i do enter some churches/cathedrals to observe the architecture etc.