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From the end of the second world war to the late 1970's, S. James's Church was largely neglected and run-down. It was a number of times in this period considered for closure. In 1979, a programme of restoration began and, to date, a little
over one million pounds has been spent restoring the church to its former glory. Throughout the 1980's and into the 1990's, much of the work focused on repairing the basic structure of the church. The roof was re-slated and the gutters re-lined. Various parts of the church were also re-pointed. Once we had stopped the water getting in, we then had to tackle the enormous outbreak of dry rot.
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In 1995 we concentrated on making the building more user friendly for people. The toilet area (which was installed in the 1970's) was fitted with non-slip flooring and alterations were made to provide a specially designed area for people who may need toileting assistance. To finish off, new windows were installed and the area was re-decorated. We also created ramped access into the building. Both of these projects were funded by Oldham Council and Age Concern Oldham.
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In 1999 the kitchen (which was installed in the mid 1970's) was given a makeover. New windows were installed, the roof was re-lined, new water pipe work was put in and new electrics. The walls were lined in toughened plastic and the a new sealed floor was laid, making the environment much more hygenic. To finish off, new stainless steel worktops, cupboards and appliances were purchased.
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In 2001 work was undertaken to restore the tower. It had a new roof, was
re-pointed, the pinnacles of the tower (which were taken away in the 1960's for
safety reasons) were replaced with new. A new clock face was put in and the bell
(which dates from the 1930's but had lay dormant for 20 years, again due to
safety reasons) was re-hung.
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In 2004, the inside of the main body of the church was gutted. We then installed underfloor heating which was then topped with an oak floor. The wall heaters
(which had come to the end of their shelf life, having been installed in 1989) were removed. A marble sanctuary was laid and a marble altar was built. New
Stations of The Cross were hung, new oak pews were built and a new organ was purchased. Everything was then finished off with re-decoration throughout.
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In 2008 we turned our attention back to the community area which was in dire need of something doing as the last major works in this area were in 1974. The area was re-wired and re-lighted. New wall heaters were put in, courtesy of Tesco Stores Ltd. New notice boards were fitted. New lockable cupboard space was created, so that each group that uses our church hall on a regular basis could have somewhere secure to store their belongings. The area was then given a fresh lick
of paint, thanks to Oldham Community Service, who provided the labour whilst the church paid for the paint. The total cost of re-furbishing this area was about £30,000. As well as Tesco and Oldham Community Service, help was also given by Community Foundation For Greater Manchester, Diocese Of Manchester and other grant awarding bodies. S.James's Church itself also provided alot of funding. As a result, we have created a durable welcoming community space for all.
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The work goes on and on and... When we get to the end of one capital project we start planning the next. On top of the major restoration projects there is also the routine maintenance. Our aim at S. James's is to provide a fitting place of worship to God and a clean, safe, comfortable and affordable community space for local people to use. A building which everyone has got a stake in and which people can take pride in. As the editor of the Oldham Evening Chronicle once said in an editorial "be proud, be very proud".
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The present organ at S. James's was installed in 2004. This instrument is a medium sized three manual and pedal organ and is voiced in a very traditional manner to fulfil the needs of S. James's Church - liturgical music and hymns and special services such as weddings and funerals. This music makes a wide demand on an instrument from soft introductory sounds, a full tone to support the hymns, and a 'brilliant' chorus for wedding music such as the Toccata from Widor's Fifth Symphony. Because of this wide range it is also suitable for use in concerts. The organ is a Makin instrument. Makin's Head Office is based in Shaw, Oldham.
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In 2010 a new marble lectern was built in the sanctuary. The new lectern compliments the marble sanctuary and altar which were built in 2004. The cost
of the new lectern was £6000, half of this cost was paid for by Tesco Stores Ltd. The old lectern (which dates from the 1860's) was moved to the High Altar. The old lectern is wooden and in the form of an eagle, fondly known as 'Oscar'.
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