St James

“A new church? In post-war Britain?” The whispers echoed the skepticism of the early 1950s. Right here, on Wulfstan Way, stood not a bomb site, but a beacon of faith. St James’ Church, the first new church built in the Ely Diocese after World War II. It began in 1953, not in a grand cathedral, but in the humble halls of Queen Edith Junior School. A small group of residents, fueled by their faith, dreamt of a dedicated space. Their dream materialized quickly. A modest building arose on Wulfstan Way. St James’ was dedicated in 1955 by Bishop Wynn. The church became a hub. The Sunday school bustled with over 100 children each week. A vibrant youth group filled Saturday evenings with energy. The Scouts, Cubs, Guides, and Brownies all found a home at St James’, their parades adding a splash of color to Sunday services. St James’ wasn’t just for the young. As the community grew, so did the church. Meeting rooms, a kitchen, and expanded facilities appeared. Art and yoga classes filled weekdays, a testament to the church’s expanding role. The growth continued through the ’60s and ’70s. The area south of Queen Edith’s Way blossomed. St James’ expanded again to accommodate the influx of new parishioners. In 1994, Vicar Hugh Dawes established the St James’ Community Forum. This group, comprised of local councilors, school representatives, police officers, and social groups, sought to address community needs. The Forum became the Queen Edith’s Community Forum, a driving force behind initiatives like the Fairbite Food Club and the “Happy to Help” scheme during the pandemic. Even today, the Forum connects the community through newsletters and a quarterly magazine. St James’ Church continues its journey, seeking innovative ways to connect with the community it serves.