This was the modest ‘iron’ predecessor of St James’s Church at Cross Roads, described on its opening in 1887 as having an interior of wood “carefully protected on the outside with zinc”.
It was gradually claimed to be ‘in Gothic style’, and boasted “a tall spire” complete with a bell.
Inside were a nave and vestry, three choir-stalls on each side, a pulpit and reading desk, a Communion table, a harmonium and stove. It would ‘comfortably’ seat 320. Its opening day’s collection raised £8.7s.
By 1909, however, this was proving too small. At its final services, the buildings was “taxed to its fullest capacity”.
It was bought by a Mr Taylor, who promptly took it away.
The present St James’s Church, “in the Late Perpendicular style of architecture, and a plain unornamented edifice”, was consecrated in 1910. It could accommodate 406, and now its opening offertory amounted to £80.
This building was indeed “a monument to the zeal of the Church people of Cross Roads”.
A fundraising bazaar had realised £440, while its stone-laying ceremony collected a staggering £629.14s.
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