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History of St. James’ Church
There's been a Church here for 800 years but this building dates from 1821.
It's big, and yet it's also warm and friendly and you can feel that people have always prayed here. You can also feel that this is a "boaty" church; the wooden pillars are unusual, like the masts of sailing ships. As a matter of fact, the pillars came on sailing ships from Newfoundland, with which Poole has always had such close associations.
The Church is festooned with flags and shields - colourful stuff. The shield of Poole points to the special journey or pilgrimage which people make to the place of St. James, the close follower of Jesus of Nazareth. Santiago de Compostela, as it is called, is in north west Spain. As a result of so many people going from Poole the town adopted the scallop shell - the sign of the Santiago pilgrim - for its shield. The dolphin, the equivalent in the sea of a lion on land, represented the fishing industry of Poole and the whole marine world.
Facing you as you enter the church, at the far East End, is a most unusual piece of decoration. It's called a Reredos. Made of mahogany, it was a gift from a wealthy Poole merchant in 1736. On the panels you can read the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments as well as what Christians believe - in the words of the Creed. There are only two other similar panels in Britain and they are in churches in the City of London designed by St. Paul's Cathedral architect, Sir Christopher Wren. Please click on the Church Gallery button below to see views of the interior.
St. James' Church is open to everyone from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm Tuesday to Friday during the months of May to September inclusive. Please visit us if you are in the area, watch our video, admire the church, rest for a while and then enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. You are also welcome to any of the services on a Sunday or Thursday morning. |
About out Flags:
The Union Jack flag displayed was the first flag to be flown over Paris when it was freed from the Germans after the Second World War. The Stars & Stripes was presented by the United States Navy who were stationed in Poole during the Second World War. The Royal British Legion Flag was presented at the time of the Second World War. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution flag was presented as they have their Headquarters in Poole. The National Fire Service flag also dates from the Second World War and finally the flag of Newfoundland & Labrador with whom Poole has had such close links over many centuries. |
Our Services are held: |
| Every Sunday |
8.00 am |
Service of Holy Communion |
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11.00 am |
Morning Worship |
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6.30 pm |
Evening Prayer |
| Every Thursday |
10.00 am |
Service of Holy Communion |
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Please click an image to view our galleries |
| Please Email us if you require details of specific services or for any additional information. |
| The Reverend Robert H.G. Mason, Rector of St. James |
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St James’ Church. Poole. Dorset |
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