Building Enlargement 1949-1950

Originally posted 06/08/2015

1949-1950 Project for the Enlargement of Saint James’ Church

In light of present day proposed improvements to the church, it is interesting to note a previous project:

The Chapel, as we know it today, was originally designed and used as a parish hall.  An inner door led into the church proper.  In 1929, with the gift and construction of the large, new parish house, the original parish hall was subsequently converted into a chapel, although still separated from the main church by a wall.

Twenty years later, in 1949, a Committee on Renovation, composed of nine members, and with Vestry approval, saw the needs of a growing congregation and proposed to the congregation a plan for enlarging the seating capacity of the church by removing the intervening wall, and thereby opening the arches so that one space flowed into the other.  The proposal included other work that needed to be done.

A brochure, explaining the proposal and the costs involved, was sent to all parishioners.  Apparently, some members were concerned about the preservation of the beauty and architectural integrity of the original church.  However, sufficient support allowed the project to proceed.

On April 27, 1950, on completion of the work, journalist M. Louise Evans wrote:

“The alterations which have been recently completed and which even those who were opposed to the changes have agreed are most pleasing to the eye, were really necessary, owing to the increased membership and attendance at the church, and in the opinion of your Old Timer, largely due to the present rector Rev. Paul D. Bowden.

“With the attendance from the two (private) schools, the church has been taxed to seat the congregation on many occasions and the far-seeing rector and vestry undertook the changes.  It has been well done and certainly presents a mellowed and graceful picture and as someone aptly put it ‘looks as though it had always been that way’.”

Compiled by the History Committee, June 2015

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