St James Celebration 50 years on

A semi-derelict St James which had been closed for several years was partly re-opened for worship in 1966 and in 1967 a whole new phase of church life began, when Michael Whinney, Warden of the Camdridge University Mission in Bermondsey (now the Salmon Youth Centre)  became the Vicar of St James and brought with him a congregation of young people from CUM.


To begin with the congregation met in the south aisle of the church, but in due course the whole building was restored, and congregation life started to flourish, with a fresh injection of energy and vigour from the CUM-ers.

That all happened 50 years ago this September and we are marking this important milestone in the life of St James with a 50th Anniversary Service of Celebration, Thanksgiving and Rededication on Sunday 25th September, at which long term congregation member and Bermondsey MP for 32 years, Sir Simon Hughes, will be our guest preacher.

We hope many former members of the congregation and church staff, and many current members of the local community will be able to join us for this special day.

Following a celebratory lunch - in the churchyard, weather permitting - St James will be hosting the
AGM of the Salmon Youth Centre, as a mark of the long and continuing friendship and partnership in the Gospel between CUM/Salmon and St James.