The Church of St James
The Church of St James in lower Baildon is a unique building constructed almost entirely of wood with a tiled roof. St James's is actually a portable building and was not originally built in Baildon. The church building was first used for worship in Great Warley in Essex; it was dedicated at that time to St Mary and was consecrated in 1892.
The building was owned by the Reverend H. R. Bailey, the Rector of Great Warley, who had arranged for its removal to Baildon where he intended to retire. Mr Bailey died in 1900; however, he left arrangements in his will for the church to be taken to Baildon. It was transported from Essex by steam traction engine in numbered sections and was erected on land at Kirklands Lane that had been acquired for the purpose. The church was dedicated to St James in 1904; there already was a church dedicated to St Mary elsewhere in Baildon.
As you read this the 'little white church' is being dismantled to be resited at the bottom end of the plot. This will enable ten new homes to be built on the rest of the plot. Also, we intend to fully refurbish the church building itslef, add a brand new and well resourced hall, create space for parking and develop a biblical garden. We expect all that to be completed around Easter 2008. Presently, for worship on a Sunday morning, we are meeting in the board room of Denso Marston, just across the road by the Halfway House.
Locate the 'little white church' by clicking on the link below. It will take you to a map.
