MemorialsSt James Anglican Memorial Church, Kingscliff
About
St James Memorial Anglican Church in Kingscliff, NSW was built in 1939 in honour of those who died in service during the First World War. It is a single-storey timber building, featuring a gabled roof and Latin cross set above the front windows on the exterior wall. Despite its simple design, St James' is a remarkable example of rural church architecture. The Fibrolite on the roof has been replaced by galvanised iron but the original ventilator set in the roof line still survives. On the northern side of the building are two marble tablets, which record the laying of the foundation block and the dedication of the church. The building was donated by district benefactors Walter and William Knight, of Upper Crystal Creek. It was the first public building to be erected in what was then known as Cudgen Headland (Tweed Daily, 6 December 1939). The land was gifted by Tweed Shire Council and the transfer and surveying work were also provided for free (Tweed Daily, 3 May 1939). The foundation block was laid on Saturday, 29 April 1939 by Mr A. E. Budd, M.L.A. The Tweed Daily, 3 May, reported more than 100 people attended the ceremony. The church was dedicated later in the year on Sunday, 10 December by the Right Reverend W. H. Stevenson, M.A., Bishop of Grafton. In its report the following day, the Tweed Daily said: The beautiful church will be the Headland's first place of worship ... Reverend W. Hopwood Evans ... said yesterday that it would be known as St James'. Most of the £70 worth of furnishings in the church also have been given. Mr Evans said that for a new church it would be exceptionally well equipped on its opening day. Built by Mr. R. Thornton of Tweed Heads, it is 45ft. in length and 23ft. wide. The outer walls are chamfer board. The ceiling and inner walls above sill height are of fibrous plaster, and the gothic arch over the sanctuary is finished with a special moulding of the same material. The furniture, except the pews, is of silky oak.