St. James Parish Church: A Look Inside

THE RESTORATION PROGRAMME

Phase One
In 1983 parishioners began a restoration programme which eventually earned the National Trust's plaque. Work was phased as funds were raised and under the expert guidance of architect Larry Warren and builder Robert Hutson a start was made with the sanctuary. Asphalt shingles replaced corrugated galvanized iron roofing after the trusses and close boarding were renewed. Walls were chipped and coral rendered with a mixture of white lime, white cement and coral dust. Cast iron windows were removed, stripped, welded as necessary, primed, re-installed, glazed and painted.

Phase Two
In phase 2, the celestory level of the nave received similar treatment. By then the green asphalt shingles were becoming visually attractive and the repaired close-boarding in glistening white with mahogany trusses added to the impact. This was enhanced by an indirect lighting system which replaced the 4 foot florescent tubes.

Phase Three
The third phase, the major one, was the lower nave walls which were coral rendered in and out, windows were renewed, choir and sexton's vestries were constructed within the west end of the building, with galleries above, reached by cast iron circular stairs. At this time wooden louvres were restored to the towers and salvaged marble tiles replaced terrazzo in the baptistery and north porches.

Further Development

1988	The organ, which was acquired in 1875, was rebuilt by Keates-Geissler of Canada, the console was relocated in the south apse and the organ itself was suspended over the west gallery giving a dramatic effect. The grounds were transformed with fine lawns, 42 flowering trees and oleander, hibiscus and green borders. A roadway allows more parking and a better traffic flow. Walkways were concreted and standard lamps, donated by Charles Dyson, provide illumination. During 1989 a Garden of Remembrance was carved out on the shady south side for the immurement of ashes.

1990	An Annex, in the same style as the old vestry was added serving as a parish office. During that year the sanctuary, choir, crossing and apses were resurfaced with encaustic tiles complimenting those around the high altar.

1992	A coral stone building with a high-pitched roof and jalousie windows was constructed to provide washroom facilities, storage shed and a garden room.

1994	Restoration of the Old Girls' school commenced. Arches with louvres and handsome louvre doors replaced corrugated iron ones at the east and west where elliptical arches have also been expressed. This building now houses the Christian Spirituality Centre on the ground floor and the Mini Education Centre on the upper floor.

1996	Ceiling fans were installed in the Church to improve air circulation and reduce the temperature in the building. The wiring was installed in the joints between the stones. The joints were then refilled with a mixture of white cement and coral stone dust to maintain the aesthetics of the building.

1998	Further work was done on the organ by Burke and Co. This was the first phase of a three part refurbishment and improvement programme for this instrument. A fund raising drive was started in September 2002 to undertake phase three of the refurbishing and restoration programme at an estimated cost of $325,000. The work is being undertaken by Burke and Co. An outdoor stage was erected on the south side using coral stone blocks. It is hoped that in addition to providing a stage for performers at our annual Harvest Garden Party it will stimulate the thespian and performing spirits among us.

2001	The parking area was resurfaced by C.O. Williams Construction Ltd.

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