St James

St James is a Grade 1 listed building situated in the centre of the village of Moy, well known for its architecture and military history. Built during 1819 the church overlooks and indeed forms the centrepiece of the village which was designed in 1764 by the Earl of Charlemont.

The original design comprised a plain four-bay nave and distinctive tower, with battlements and pinnacles. The church was consecrated to the glory of God on 11th November 1820. The clock tower has only three faces. It is widely believed that Lord Charlemont demanded that the eastern side be left blank, so that the workers on his estate could not see the time!

However, by the mid-century, St James was considered too small to accommodate the parishioners and underwent a number of alterations and extensions between 1867-69, with the north transept and apse added in 1868. The church was re-consecrated and dedicated to St James, on 24th November 1869.

The beauty of this church can only be realised fully when one views the stained glass windows, dedicated to the glory of God. One in particular, the large south window of the transept, standing high above Lady Charlemont’s Door, is outstanding.
The new chancel is no less impressive, with three further beautiful stained glass windows. Around the cornice runs an illuminated text We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, and He is the only propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.

The third Earl of Charlemont, financed solely a side isle on the north side. This opens into the body of the church, with two arches resting on a centre granite pillar, with richly carved capital. The beautiful brass lectern was donated to St James by Captain R M Bond-Shelton, (the second owner of the Argory), in memory of his mother.

In June 2013 we had the privilege of a visit by HRH The (then) Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, under the auspices of Youth Action NI.