Saint James’ Church

Saint James’ Church was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980.

The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.

“Built in early 1897 this impressive church is an excellent example of the use of Kauri as both a structural and decorative element. Designed in the Gothic manner it has a fine tower seen to advantage on the corner site. The interior is noteworthy for the splendid use of Kauri panelling and also the rare form of stained glass in the lancet windows.”

St James was originally a Presbyterian Church, however, the Thames Presbyterian and Methodist congregations united in 1973 to become the Thames United Church. There are now three churches associated with the Thames United Church – St James in Thames, The Thames Coast Church in Te Puru, and St Andrews Church in Coromandel. All of these three church communities have a varied history.

By overseas standards, churches in New Zealand have a relatively short history, however, there is one feature about St James and the historic churches in Thames that makes them unique.

The older churches of St James and St Georges in Thames, and St Andrews in Coromandel are built of Kauri that grew close by on the Coromandel. These places of worship may be but a hundred or so years old, but the timber from which they are built may be up to 2000 years old. So when you stand inside St James, remember that you are surrounded by history from this land that potentially dates back to the birth of Christ.

There was also another church on this particular piece of land too – the building that faces Pahau Street and is now used as the St James’ Hall was the original church. It was built in 19870 and served as the church before the building of this present architectural delight in 1897.

Saint James’ Church makes a valuable contribution to the streetscape of Thames being sited on the main street in the busy commercial area. Historically it is important for its links with the town’s gold mining industry.

Saint James’ Church Worship Times
Sunday 10 am

Location
Saint James’ Church can be found on the corner of Pollen and Pahau Streets.

Phone Number: 07 868 6123

Email:

Website:

Saint James’ Church

Saint James’ Church was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980.

The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.

“Built in early 1897 this impressive church is an excellent example of the use of Kauri as both a structural and decorative element. Designed in the Gothic manner it has a fine tower seen to advantage on the corner site. The interior is noteworthy for the splendid use of Kauri panelling and also the rare form of stained glass in the lancet windows.”

St James was originally a Presbyterian Church, however, the Thames Presbyterian and Methodist congregations united in 1973 to become the Thames United Church. There are now three churches associated with the Thames United Church – St James in Thames, The Thames Coast Church in Te Puru, and St Andrews Church in Coromandel. All of these three church communities have a varied history.

By overseas standards, churches in New Zealand have a relatively short history, however, there is one feature about St James and the historic churches in Thames that makes them unique.

The older churches of St James and St Georges in Thames, and St Andrews in Coromandel are built of Kauri that grew close by on the Coromandel. These places of worship may be but a hundred or so years old, but the timber from which they are built may be up to 2000 years old. So when you stand inside St James, remember that you are surrounded by history from this land that potentially dates back to the birth of Christ.

There was also another church on this particular piece of land too – the building that faces Pahau Street and is now used as the St James’ Hall was the original church. It was built in 19870 and served as the church before the building of this present architectural delight in 1897.

Saint James’ Church makes a valuable contribution to the streetscape of Thames being sited on the main street in the busy commercial area. Historically it is important for its links with the town’s gold mining industry.

Saint James’ Church Worship Times
Sunday 10 am

Location
Saint James’ Church can be found on the corner of Pollen and Pahau Streets.

Phone Number: 07 868 6123

Email:

Website: