St. James Anglican Church The first known St. James Church in King's Cove, Bonavista Bay, was initially constructed in 1815 by church members for 150 pounds according to Rev. Benjamin Smith's 1844 research and writings. Rev. William Kirby's research implies the original church was older, possibly built in the 1790's plus or minus a decade. It was eventually deemed too small for the growing congregation and torn down during Easter week in 1897.

Reverend William Kirby designed the plans for the new and second St. James Church and oversaw its construction. The head carpenter was Mr. Caleb Marshall, formerly of Brooklyn, who worked tirelessly to complete the project on time. Some say it was Rev. Kirby who actually installed the beautiful parquet floor, which is the only one in the diocese today. The current church foundation was laid on September 15,1896 and the completed church was consecrated on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1896.The church is dedicated to St. James the Less.

The above information was taken from a booklet, St. James Anglican Church, written and produced by Roger K. Brown, for the 100th Anniversary of St. James Church in 1998, with his kind permission. The booklet, measuring 8' x 10' with 36 pages, contains the history of the church, interesting facts and photos. There are still some copies of the booklet available. Anyone who might be interested in obtaining a copy may send $10.00 Canadian to:

MRS. BERTIE MONKS
CONGREGATIONAL TREASURER
ST. JAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH
KING'S COVE, BONAVISTA BAY
NEWFOUNDLAND
A0C IS0

Proceeds from sales of the booklet will be used for repairs to the church and old church cemetery. The cemetery dates back to the beginning of the community and includes the headstone of one of the founding members - MARY HANCOCK - dated 1784.