Exploring a historic church

One of the loveliest days I have had so far this summer was spent visiting a friend on the Kingston Peninsula. I arrived in the morning, and while we chatted, I gazed out at her beautiful view across the St. John River. As we watched, the morning fog and light rain gradually lifted, revealing a blue sky scattered with perfect white clouds. Of course, I had my camera with me, so I headed out to visit the historic St. James Anglican Church, just up the road. And discovered that the day had turned hot!

I followed the river bank for a while, then headed back inland – and even though it was only a short walk to the church, I was running with perspiration by the time I arrived. So what a delight to find the church unlocked, and deliciously cool inside!

St James was built at Long Reach in 1843 (consecrated in 1845) by local craftsmen. Before that time, churchgoers travelled by boat across the St. John River to the church at Oak Point, but the wide river can be treacherous. After several lives were lost when boats capsized, the community decided to build their own church closer to home.

They not only built a handsome church, but they also furnished it with an unusual triple-decker Queen Anne pulpit constructed by Samuel Foster – I have read that this is one of only two three-tiered pulpits in North America.

St. James, one of the four Anglican churches in the Parish of Kingston (all built between the late 1700s and late 1800s), is still used today, and it is clearly well-kept and loved. This country church is more than a historic building, it is a sign of a caring community.