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Welcome to the Parish Church of St James Grimsby
St James' is the mother church of Grimsby, and has stood in the busy town centre for 900 years. It is a symbol of the faith which sustains a community dependent on the toughest livelihood known: the livelihood of Jesus Christ's own disciples.
This Church is not only rich in history: its stones stand testament to the Christian faith which has been nourished within them for almost half the long history of worldwide Church. It affords a heven of peace, in which you are invited to pause and reflect, and allow the stones to speak.
When you first enter, cross to the centre and sit for a while to relax and ponder
The main section of the building takes its name from the Latin word for a ship, and its roof shape is like an up-turned boat. It symbolises our voyage through life from the main West Door towards the Altar [1]. The Altar enjoys a focal pont in the Church, since the bread and wine shared at it each Sunday are at the centre of the christian life. They are the powerful symbols of Jesus' presence in this Church.
Look up at the beautiful and unusual combination of 'triforium' (arches with narrow walkway) and 'clerestory' (high windows giving light to the upper part of the Church) [2], dating from around 1180 when the church was built. Inspect the heads above the pillars [3]. The dones nearer the Altar are full of character and though amcient and obviously portraits. Another old one is the head of a monkey, while a reacent one is of John Whitgift, who also features in a South Aisle window. A rare 'banded head' can be seen partially obscured by the organ loft on the right. There are very few like this in England, and it could be depicting a Spanish lady of around 1180.
Remember the regular acts of worship that take place here. These have been central to the life at St James' throughout the centuries.
Through the Arches on your left is
Most significant in the North Aisle is the Font [4], at which people are made members of the Church in Baptism (or Christening) People have been christened at the Font since this Church was built. The podium upon which it stands was originally a 15th century grave-slab
Remember all the saints, known and unknown, who have been baptised at this Font throughout more than eight hundred years.
Nearly all the windows in the Church were destroyed by bombs in 1943, but were reglazed to the same designs after the war. Those along the North Aisle depict senes from the life of Jesus Christ.
Go across the Church to
Here the windows show the history of the English Church.
As you reach the pillar between the South Aisle, the Transept and the Sanctuary (the area in the middle of the Church where the large marble Altar stands), look up and see if you can spot 'the Grimsby Imp' [5] supporting the tower on his back. He has been there since 1365 when the tower was built.
Go across the South Transept into
| The Chapel of the Resurrection |
The windows on the right are, significantly, the only ones to have survived the bombing of 1943, and are therefore the oldest in the Church. They represent four sailor saints and four soldier saints.
Below are tablets of gun-metal [6] recording the names of victims of the 1914-19 war. The bomb blasts in 1943 caused distortion of the end plaque on the left.
Pause a moment to reflect on the tragedy of war, the bravery and self-sacrifice of combatants and the sufferings endured by the innocent.
Cross over to the doorway & go carefully up the steps into
The Choir Stalls [7] on your left are where the Choir sings at regular services, usually five times per week
Check the Weekly Newsletter or St James' website for choral services details, at which all are welcome. Music plays an important role at St James', the only parish church in Britain to have its own Choir School.
The East Windows [8] depicts Grimsbt fisherman with the patrron saints of the Parish and of fishermen, set against a bacground of fishing nets. In the centre is a youthful, beardless Christ in Glory.
Cross over to the doorway & go carefully up the steps into
The windows were dedicated to God in honour of women of Grimsby and Cleethorpes and proclaim The Magnificat, the words spoken by Mary after she was told she would bear the Son of God: "My Soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour... For behold, from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed."
Note the squint [9] in the wall beside the door into the Chancel - this was to enable the priest at the side altar to witness the proceedings at the High Altar. It shows that at one time the East end of the Church ws longer.
In the corner a white light [10] burns as a mark of Christ's special presence in this place.
The Lady Chapel is reserved for quiet and private prayer. You are welcome to sit quietly, here or in the Nave, and contemplate at your leisure.
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