“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24–25

An Invitation from Archdeacon Rob

St. James' is a place where we encounter God’s love and see the Holy Spirit at work. Our building is beautiful, but the heart of St. James' is its people—children formed in faith, seniors cared for, neighbours fed, and those in sorrow comforted. For 185 years this has been our shared life, and we give thanks for all who have carried this ministry.
Now we are called to take the next step: restore our historic church (roof and bell tower), improve accessibility, and invest in our children and youth. Through the Grow in Grace campaign, I invite you to pray, participate, and—as you are able—make a generous financial commitment. With your support, we will grow into the hopeful future God has in store for us.
Yours in Christ,
The Venerable Robert Lemon

Our Legacy of Faith and Service

For 185 years, St. James' has been a place where people encounter God’s love and grow in faith together. Founded in 1840, our historic church (1870), parish hall (1895), and bell tower (1901) have anchored community life in Stratford. The Bells of St. James'—an 11‑bell chime installed in 1909 and retuned in 2010—still ring over the city, marking life’s sacred moments. St. James' is known as a welcoming spiritual haven, rooted in tradition and open to all.

A Prayer for the Campaign

We praise you, gracious God, for the abundance of grace and inexhaustible riches that you lavish on us in Christ as members of your church. Your blessing has brought us together and empowered us over 185 years to share your grace with our community and world through love and service. As we look ahead to the future of our parish, we pray that you would help us to grow in grace so that we can deepen our commitment to you as stewards of our time, talents, and treasure, preserving our heritage, serving your people, and sharing your abundance, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grow in Grace! Why now?

We are stewards of a beautiful, historic place, and a vibrant ministry. To serve well today and into the future, we will complete essential restoration, invest in our young people, and remove practical barriers to participation. Grow in Grace is our shared response—an invitation to pray, to serve, and to give so St. James' continues to gather, grow, and love boldly.