This beautiful Victorian church stands on a hill looking over the tiny village
of Birstwith (See Map)through which runs the river
Nidd. Built in 1857 by John Greenwood, it boasts a 100ft spire, some splendid
stained glass, a Binns organ, that has recently been fully restored by John
Clough and Son, and an unusual and striking reredos of alabaster and glass
mosaic.
A brief History of St James is given on this website.
The mansion, built by the Greenwood's, is now Belmont Grosvenor School
a private preparatory school for boys and girls.
St. James's is a peaceful, prayerful place to be. It ministers to the 700 or so parishioners by providing them with this 'sacred' space, but the real St. James church is its lively and loyal congregation who worship God week by week and try to live out their faith in their daily lives.
We are a welcoming church- our doors are open in daylight hours- and regular prayers are said at 9am and 4pm.
Our Sunday services cater for all ages as well as those who favour more
traditional worship.
Call in anytime. Why not come to see us during your
holiday or on a day trip? In any case, try to spend a minute looking
at some photographs of this wonderful spot.
Magazine
The magazine of St. James's Church is published every month. If you would
like a copy. please let us know through 'Contact' below. Click on
snippets to see extracts from the latest edition.
Donations
In order that future generations inherit the church we must ensure its continued
viability as a vibrant part of village life. If you would like to make
a gift to St James's Church, or renew or extend a covenant, please contact
the Stewardship Treasurer on Tel 01423 771382.
Click HERE for more information.
Our Twin Church
We are pleased to be twinned with the Church of the Epiphany in Gipton,
Leeds.
They have a website. Why
not look them up?
The Diocese
St James is in the Harrogate deanery of the Ripon and Leeds Diocese.
The Diocesan web
site is well worth a visit.
Nidderdale
The website of Nidderdale covers the beautiful valley from Ripley to Pateley
Bridge and beyond. Nidderdale Website
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our church mouse has
not been seen for many years.
