Our History
St. James has been a centre of Anglican worship in Caledon for more than 160 years.
Traveling Missionaries
In the 1830's, traveling missionaries from the Diocese of Toronto had reached the distant region of Caledon, and were holding services in homes in the area.
The First Building (1843)
In 1843, a log church was built at the northeast corner of what we now call Old Church and Innis Lake Roads, about one kilometre east of the village. It was built on land donated by James Wilson. This church was known as the "Albion" or "English" Church.
The Second Building (1848)
Four years later, William Matthews gave part of his land for the construction of a new, larger, frame building. This church was located across the road from the first one, on land where the church cemetery is now located. Built in 1848, this church marked the formal beginning of the parish of St. James, Caledon East. When the congregation outgrew this church, in 1901, it was dismantled.
The Current Building (1901)
A new brick church was built in the centre of the village. The cornerstone was laid on June 1, 1901, and building was completed in six months. The altar that can still be seen in the church was brought from "Old St. James."
In 1998 and 2003, the people of St. James built new additions to serve the parish and community more effectively. The church buildings are now a mix of delightful historic village church architecture and the most contemporary of adjunct facilities.
