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 14th Century font has an unusual early 16th Century font cover. See our full entry at https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1099148.
A guide to the Parish Church is available for the nominal sum of £2.50. Please apply to the parish office website or visit the church when it is open on a Wednesday morning between 10am and 1pm.
The church is open to visitors on a Wednesday morning from 10 am until 1pm.
Music and Worship
Our bell ringers practice every Thursday in the Tower at 8pm. Experienced ringers and learners are very welcome to join our practice evenings, you can just turn up. Tower Captain Sue Payne can be contacted on [email protected]
The Church regularly hosts concerts both large and small from a variety of groups.
East Malling Singers perform four concerts a year in the church
19th October 2024 Mozart Requiem and Laudate Dominum
14th December 2024 Christmas Concert
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, in 1868.
We have an adult choir which practices on Friday evenings and leads the singing at services. The repertoire is varied, both traditional and more modern. Contact the choir director, Anna Ashbee, ([email protected]) for more information or come along to the church on a Friday evening at 7pm when choir practice is held, to see what happens.
Groups, Courses and Activities
We hold Craft cafes twice a year, one at Easter and one before Christmas.
The next will be on Saturday 30th November 2024 from 10am-12 noon.
Sunday Afternoon teas during the summer months, watch the website for further information.
please contact Frances Selman on 07913 866096 for more information
Meets in the Church every Wednesday between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. We have singing, dancing, musical instruments, stories and drinks and biscuits.
Help for Visitors
'A Guide to the Parish Church of James the Great' by Canon Derek Carpenter is also available for a modest £2.50, from the church.
Other Features
The Church is situated in a conservation area