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History of the Church and the building.
When St James' Chapel of Ease was built on land gifted by Joseph Wilson to
the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1858, it consisted of the nave with apsidal
chancel, spire porch and vestry. It was designed by Matthew Thompson of Newcastle
upon Tyne, built by J D Thompson at a cost of approximately £900 and was
consecrated by the Rt. Revd. The Bishop of Durham, Dr Langley on April
22nd, 1858.
Within two decades, the nave was lengthened, the chancel made longer and enlarged
with a new transept added at a cost exceeding £1,000. This extended building
was re-opened for worship in August 1878.
A new vestry appeal was launched by Revd. W. J.Hinkley in 1962 and this addition
was dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt. Revd. Hugh Ashdown on
Sunday, 8th December 1963.
Until 1975 St James' was a Chapel of Ease for St Andrew, Bywell and it was
only when that church was made redundant, that St James' became the Parish Church
of Riding Mill.
Behind the altar is a beautiful reredos made in 1900 by J Powell & Sons
of London which was designed by Ada Carry. The five stained glass windows in
the Sanctuary are by Shrigley & Hunt, the artist being Karl Almquist, whilst
the small window in the South side of the chancel is by Waites of Newcastle,
donated as were the altar rails and the East windows.
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