WESTERN BUREAU – The St James Parish Church, one of Montego Bay’s oldest landmarks, needs fixing but the job will cost the cash-strapped house of worship about $7 million.

The areas of the 230 year-old church that have been identified for immediate repairs are:

. the mahogany backdrop to the main alter, which houses the East Stained Glass Window;

. the exterior stonework;

. the cornice molding and the interior of the church, as well as

. the removal and replacement of the asbestos roof.

One sponsor that has so far come on board in the restoration of the church building is the L’ACADCO United Caribbean Dance Force, which will open its 21st Anniversary Season of Dance at the Half Moon Conference Centre in Montego Bay from November 27 to 28. Proceeds from the opening season of dance will go towards the restoration of the building.

The church, which was built using a Greek cross design, has limestone ashlar throughout the building. Its most striking feature is the elegant stained glass window behind the alter at the east end of the building. The three-light palladium mahogany window frame was made by Jones and Willis of London in 1911.

According to church rector Reverend Cannon Justine Nembhard, the St James Parish Church reflects the history of the parish and has over the past two centuries provided a place of worship and haven for those in need. However he warned that many natural disasters have taken their toll over the years and if swift action is not taken the national treasure will be lost.

The 1957 earthquake, which caused the belfry of the entire western section to collapse, was the most damaging natural disaster. However, by 1958 restoration was completed and the building rededicated. During the period of reconstruction, services and other church-related activities were held under a mahogany tree in the church yard. A priest who served as the church curate was ordained under the tree, which also served as the backdrop for a number of weddings and baptisms.

Over the years, the parish church has given back to the residents of St James. It has offered a fortnightly feeding programme, made possible from proceeds of the thrift shop, that touches the lives of approximately 150 people who some see as social misfits.

To supplement the twice weekly feeding programme, the church office provides food stamps for the indigent. It also runs, from its hallowed halls, a number of free medical clinics and the grounds are often a place of refuge for those who sleep on the tombs.

“We wish we could offer a greater ministry to them but we try to feed them as best as we can, because the church has to meet its bills,” Rev Nembhard told journalists.

The church also operates the St James Preparatory School and has founded other congregations, which have become churches. One of those is the Glendevon St Francis Anglican Church.