Facilities and features
Accessibility
We have step free access for those in wheelchairs
Used at all amplified services
Large print orders of service and hymn books are available for all services
Assistance dogs are welcomed in all areas of the Church
Our Building
St James The Great is a Grade 1 listed building built in the 12th Century but remodelled between 1450 - 1500. It has a Tower with extensive views over the surrounding countryside. There are some Norman and 15th Century windows together with some 14th Century glass in the north aisle and a number of interesting monuments particularly to the Twisden family. The font has an unusual early 16th Century font cover. See our full entry at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1099148
Music and Worship
Our prize winning bell ringers practice every Thursday in the Tower at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. Please ask for the Tower Captain Sue Payne.
The Church regularly hosts concerts both large and small from a variety of group. Coming up:
East Malling Singers with:
Messa di Gloria by Puccini - 30th March 2019 at 7.30pm
Nidaros Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott - 13th July 2019at 7.30pm
Rachmaninov Vespers - 4th April 2020at 7.30pm
for more information visit www.eastmallingsingers.co.uk
We are blessed with a well maintained and regularly used 2 Manual Grey and Davison 2 tracker organ built in 1835. This organ which is included in the Historic Organs Register was moved from its original home in Bradbourne House the former home of the Twisden family
BCP services of Holy Communion with a sermon (based on the BCP lectionary) are held on the first Sunday of every month at 8.30am. These are spoken services.
Sung Evensong is held quarterly at 6.30pm for details of dates please contact the Vicar
We have a regular choir of both children and adults, male and female. The choir practices on Friday evenings and sings at most services, singing both traditional and more modern pieces. Contact the Vicar if you would like to join or if you would like your child to benefit from free choral training.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Easter Craft Cafe - An Easter themed craft activities and an indoor Easter Egg Hunt. on Friday 19th April 2019, 9.30am-11.30am in Church, for accompanied children.
Afternoon teas - Every Sunday from 2nd June to 3rd September 3.00pm - 5.00pm in Church
Summery Fayre - 22nd June 11am - 2pm, in Church, stalls, refreshment and free entry
Our Mothers Union has a regular programme of talks across the benefice.
4th April - East Malling Flower Decoration - at St James The Great
2nd May - A Tanzanian Orphanage at St John The Baptist, Wateringbury
Everyone is welcome just contact the leader Frances Selman on 07913 866096 for more information
Meets in the Church every Wednesday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. We have singing, dancing with musical instruments, stories, parties and puppets, with tea, coffee and cake.
Help for Visitors
Fee guidebooks are available. A more thorough guidebook 'A Guide to the Parish Church of James the Great' by Canon Derek Carpenter is also available for a modest £2.50
Other Features
The Church is situated in a conservation area