On November 20th, 2026, Saint James, Dundas will celebrate 100 years in its present building, though the church has seen significant changes over this time. During World War I, it was located on Hatt Street. A munitions factory next door operated twenty-four hours a day, its noise impeding the worship of the congregation. So, the decision was made to move to the present site on Melville Street, and the present building opened in 1926.
The parish prospered under a succession of distinguished clergy and lay leaders, becoming known for its Christian education programs; the quality of its worship (including liturgical music and art); a pioneering co-operative preschool; its dedication to social justice; welcome to waves of refugees from Vietnam, the Middle East, and Africa; its early acceptance of women’s ordination; its commitment to the inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ people; and its long-term support of ecumenical collaboration.
In 1978, a disastrous January fire gutted the church, leaving only the outer walls standing. After a short sojourn in the Dundas Armouries, worship resumed in the parish hall while reconstruction took place over two years. The rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral after World War II inspired architect Trevor Garwood-Jones. The new Saint James featured Coventry’s crown-of-thorns theme, chose plain glass rather than stained glass to remind worshippers of the world around them, and invite outsiders to look at what was going on inside the building. A more open space encouraged worship-in-the-round, as well as the traditional linear arrangement of pews.
The dedication of the new building coincided with widespread questioning of a faith which had largely been taken for granted. The last forty years have seen a general decline in religious observance, but a willingness to embrace new forms of discipleship, and new ways of being the church. There is a renewed sense of God within us and among us, and ready to be discovered at work in the community around us.
Our response to a turbulent century may be likened to a popular nineteen-sixties poster, “For what has been, thanks: for what is to come, YES!” On November 20th, a festive meal celebrating our thanksgiving for the past and our hope for the future will take place at the church; and on Sunday, November 22nd (The Reign of Christ), the liturgy will honour this dual theme. Tickets for the meal are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and of course you are all welcome for the centennial service at 10.00 a.m. on the Sunday—peace and blessings to you all from all of us at Saint James.
The Church in Which We Serve