Diocese of calcutta

167, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata-700014 : Sunday Worship Service Timing : 7:15am and 8:30am    

It may interest readers to know that the present large and dignified Church was built to replace an older one of the same name, which was situated in Nebutolla Lane, near Amherst Street. This Church, built very much after the style and plan of St. Thomas Church, Free School Street, appears to have got into a state of disrepair, due chiefly to white ants having eaten into the beams and was declared unsafe for divine worship. An attempt was however made to repair the building, but while the work was in progress, the roof caved in with a crash during the early hours of the morning of 23rd August, 1858. It lay in a desolate pile of ruins. It was then decided to abandon any further attempts to repair the Church as it was also found to be very inaccessible. The Church authorities, therefore, resolved to build a new Church in a more convenient locality and with it to build a school for the children of the neighborhood.
Site of the New Church
The project for building the new Church and School had the full support and backing of Archdeacon Pratt, a keen educationist, who, with his influence, was able to acquire the garden house of Mr. Coates together with its spacious grounds for the purpose. At the same time, a smaller house in the grounds was also acquired for the residence of the Chaplain. This property was situated opposite to the Female European Orphan Asylum, across the road, which had been founded during July 1815 by Mrs. Thompson, the wife of Rev. T. Thompson.
Foundation Stone
The Foundation stone of the Church and the school were laid on 7th June 1826, by the Hon’ble Peter Grant, acting Lt. Governor of Bengal. A marble tablet placed on the eastern wall of the south transept reads: “The first stone of this Church dedicated to St. James, was laid on June 7th, 1862. Consecrated by Bishop Cotton on 25th July 1864. The Rev. Dr. Jarbo, Chaplain.”
Consecration
The Church was consecrated by Bishop Cotton on St. James Day, 25th July 1864. The Bishop with his Chaplain, on their arrival at the western doorway, were received by the Archdeacon, the senior and junior Chaplains of the Church, several of the principal gentleman of the city, the members of the Building Committee and the members of the Vestry Committee. As the bell struck the appointed hour, the choir procession, which included a large number of clergy of the diocese, moved slowly up the central aisle to their seats in the Chancel the Bishop, preceded by his Chaplain, bearing the Pastoral staff, taking his place before the altar. The Petition of Consecration having been read aloud, was duly signed and made over to the Registrar of the Diocese. Other formalities having been completed, the Bishop proceeded with the Act of Consecration of the Church with great solemnity.