St James' URC - History
In 1860, a small group of people, led by a Mr Gingell and his supporters, met as a church in a room at The Bald-Faced Stag, the old public house where the Toby Carvery now stands.
In 1868 enough money had been raised to purchase the present site, call a pastor and build a school hall.
In 1873 the first church with the tower was built and in 1896 Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church was formally constituted.
In 1908 a fine pipe organ was built in the church and in 1927 two classrooms were added as the Sunday School was growing fast.
Church life continued during the two world wars and Tidings, the first church magazine, was started to keep in touch with members who had moved away from home or who were serving in the forces.
In 1953, recognising that the original buildings had a limited life, the present dual-purpose church/hall was built.
In 1972, Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church became a United Reformed Church and in 1987, we adopted the name St. James’.
In 1987, part of the site was sold and the old church and classrooms were demolished for the construction of retirement flats, St. James’ Gate. The tower, however, was retained as a local landmark. The proceeds of the sale were used to refurbish and extend the 1953 building and provide the premises we have today.
In more recent years St. James URC has become an enthusiastic Eco Congregation and in 2009 the solar panels on the roof were added.
In 1868 enough money had been raised to purchase the present site, call a pastor and build a school hall.
In 1873 the first church with the tower was built and in 1896 Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church was formally constituted.
In 1908 a fine pipe organ was built in the church and in 1927 two classrooms were added as the Sunday School was growing fast.
Church life continued during the two world wars and Tidings, the first church magazine, was started to keep in touch with members who had moved away from home or who were serving in the forces.
In 1953, recognising that the original buildings had a limited life, the present dual-purpose church/hall was built.
In 1972, Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church became a United Reformed Church and in 1987, we adopted the name St. James’.
In 1987, part of the site was sold and the old church and classrooms were demolished for the construction of retirement flats, St. James’ Gate. The tower, however, was retained as a local landmark. The proceeds of the sale were used to refurbish and extend the 1953 building and provide the premises we have today.
In more recent years St. James URC has become an enthusiastic Eco Congregation and in 2009 the solar panels on the roof were added.
