With connections to Dissenting congregations of 1684 and earlier, St James's is the oldest Free Church in Newcastle.
The name was used first by the Presbyterian congregation in Blackett Street, which cut the Scottish connection in 1833 and became Congregational. In the next 30 years it built twice on the same site at Grey's Monument. The current building on a new site opened in 1884. Now listed Grade 2*, it is an uncommon example of a central Free Church. The central ceiling, chandelier, stained glass, wrought iron screen and notable pipeless organ by Copeman Hart (1973) are important features. The Church and ancillary rooms were refurbished in 1997, with English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund support. The Synod Offices and a charity, Baseline, have their own rooms on the premises. St James's also hosts varied community activities; some 35 different ones use the building in any one year.
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