Saint James

Introduction

Built in 1910, the church was designed by Reginald Fairlie in the Scots round-arched manner, featuring a short Fife tower and slated spire.

History

A Catholic mission began in Saint Andrews in 1864. James Hope-Scott reserved land on the Scores for a permanent Catholic church. The Marquess of Bute met all the costs of the proposed mission after the restoration of the Scottish Hierarchy in 1879. In 1884, Father George Angus became the first parish priest in Saint Andrews since the Reformation.

A temporary church, the 'Tin Tabernacle', was built entirely of cheap tin and dedicated shortly after Easter 1885 to Saint James. The permanent church was begun in 1909, completed in 1910, and consecrated by Archbishop James Smith on 2 August 1910. Most of the construction money came from Annette Elizabeth Harmar, a widow who lived across the street in Canmore. In 1929, Canon John Allan Gray came to Saint James' and made the most lasting impression upon the parish apart from Father Angus.

Canon Gray took over a house in Pittenweem in 1935, transforming it into a church. In 2018, the parishes of Saint Andrews and the East Neuk were united by canonical decree under the patronage of Saint James. In 2024, a new Parish Priest was appointed, also serving as Honorary Catholic Chaplain to the University of Saint Andrews. Reginald Fairlie, a local architect, designed the church on his first commission. The High Altar was separated from its gradine as part of adjusting the parish to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

Music and liturgy

Two community choirs, open to all ages and skill levels, lead music at the Saturday Vigil Mass and the Sunday Morning Mass. A Requiem Mass normally includes four hymns: an entrance hymn, an offertory hymn, a Communion hymn, and a recessional hymn. The parish does not have a PLL Licence and therefore cannot play any recorded music. The parish organist can play at weddings.

Parish life

The RCIA group is for those interested in becoming Catholic. Children begin preparation for First Confession in P3, open to all baptised children in Primary 3 and above. Children begin preparation for First Holy Communion in P4, open to baptised children who have made their First Confession.

The normal form for a Catholic Funeral is a Requiem Mass. Victoria Costa and Shelagh Lamb are the parish organists.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples wishing to get married should contact the parish office six months prior to their proposed wedding. The body of the deceased may be received into the church the evening before the funeral. The readings at a funeral may be read by family and friends of the deceased.