St James's Church, Reading facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St James's Church |
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St James's Church, seen from Forbury Gardens
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 St James's Church
Location in Reading Central
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| 51°27′25.48″N 0°57′55.13″W / 51.4570778°N 0.9653139°W | |
| Location | Reading |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | jameswilliam-reading.org.uk |
| History | |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Dedication | St James |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Architect(s) | A. W. N. Pugin |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | Reading |
| Diocese | Portsmouth |
| Province | Province of Southwark |
St James's Church is a Roman Catholic church. It is located in the middle of Reading, a town in the English county of Berkshire. The church stands right next to the old Reading Abbey ruins. It is also found between the lovely Forbury Gardens and Reading Gaol.
About St James's Church
St James's Church carries on the traditions of Reading Abbey. This is important for the time after the English Reformation, when many changes happened in England's churches. The church was started by James Wheble. He owned land in the area at that time.
Design and Construction
A famous architect named A. W. N. Pugin designed the church. It was one of his first church designs. Some parts of the church were even built using stones from the nearby Abbey ruins.
The church's design is in the Norman style. This style was not usually used by Pugin. It was probably chosen because the old Abbey ruins were also in the Norman style. The outside of the church is made of flint stones. It has smooth ashlar stone details and a roof made of Roman tiles.
Building the church began in 1837. It officially opened its doors on August 5, 1840. Later, in 1925, more parts were added. These included the south aisle and a curved walkway called an ambulatory around the apse (the rounded end of the church). In 1962, the church was made even bigger with a north aisle. The baptistery, where baptisms happen, was moved into this new section. St James's Church is a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building.
Church Community
St James's Church and St William of York's Church together form one parish. A parish is a local church community. Both churches are part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth.
The main priest for the parish since February 2010 is Canon John O'Shea. Sunday masses at St James's are very popular. Often, there is only standing room left because so many people attend. The church community is very diverse. It includes people from many different countries.
A very important person, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, was connected to St James's. He was the Archbishop of Westminster from 2000 to 2009. He was baptised in St James's Church. As a boy, he regularly helped during church services there.
