The History of St James's People
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The clergy |
Revd Fitzroy John Fitz Wygram |
APCM |
The History of St James's Community
The early history of both St James's Church and its community, the village of Hampton Hill, are inextricably linked. The first vicar, Revd Fitz Wygram, saw his rôle as improving both the spiritual and social conditions of the new parish, and this included developing a wide range of organisations to benefit the community. Some of these were explicitly religious, some were secular in their activities and others bridged the gap between them. However, all were based on his sense of Christian responsibility towards fellow human beings at a time and in a place where there were no other authorities able to take on the task. In this work he was helped by his leading laymen. "They looked after peoples' human rights and dignities, keeping them safe from injustice and encouraging healthy use of leisure."
Have a look at Our Church in the Community through the years which shows what happened from when records began up until 2017.
The links above show what happened from when records began up until 2017. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Reports show the latest reports from most teams and groups.
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Taking a service at Laurel Dene |
A community Carol Service |
Taking part in Hampton Hill Fair |
The History of St James's Social Life & Groups
It is not clear to what extent any organised social life existed in the village prior to 1863 but the early history of both St James's Church and the village of Hampton Hill were inextricably linked. The social life and groups of St James's have changed and developed out of all recognition over the years.
The first vicar, Revd Fitz Wygram, saw his role as improving both the spiritual and social conditions of the new parish, and this included developing a wide range of social organisations. There are a number of ways that we still seek to build up the church’s social life, and community. Have a look at Social Life through the years.
Over the years, many different groups came and went, and those not directly organised by, or associated with, the church took on a separate life of their own much as they have today. Have a look at St James's Groups through the years.
The links above show what happened from when records began up until 2017. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Reports show the latest reports from most teams and groups.
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Connections |
Pop-up Theatre |
Quiz Night |
The History of St James's Children
Over the years St James's has tried to provide a rich experience for young people. St James's has always cared and provided for children through the years. Right from the beginning of his incumbency, Revd Fitz Wygram showed a keen interest in children and education. Have a look at Children through the years.
There have been designated children's services since the earliest days as maintaining children's interest has always been important to St James's. Have a look at Family Worship through the years.
The Church’s endeavours to 'catch them young' has always led her to foster activities for young people. Whilst Sunday Schools cater for them in their early years, other organisations are necessary to keep them interested when they grow past this stage and approach the age of confirmation. The youth organisations which existed at the end of the nineteenth century were considerably different in character from those which exist today. Have a look at Youth Groups through the years.
The June 1885 magazine reported about the flourishing Sunday School: “The numbers still continue to increase, and in addition to some fifty older ones who attend classes at Mrs Fitz Wygram's and at the Vicarage, there are now two hundred and ninety two upon the books.” Have a look at St James's Sunday School through the years
The 2007 Action Mission Plan aimed to give children and young people every opportunity to become involved in the Christian life by making it more attractive and accessible. So a Carers and Toddlers group was set up and immediately became extremely popular. Have a look at St James's Ark through the years.
There have been designated children's services since the earliest days and maintaining children's interest has always been important to St James's. Have a look at Family Worship through the years.
Early on in his incumbency, Revd Fitz Wygram discovered that only thirteen children out of a local population of 1,100 went to any sort of school. Having a keen interest in children and education, he made a grant of land in Mill Lane and in 1867 two schools were built at a cost of £315. Have a look at St James's Church Schools through the years.
The Hampton Hill Uniformed Groups originally were church organisations and the children regularly attended church services and joined in with various church activities. Around 2014 things changed and the connection between them and the church became looser.
The links above show what happened from when records began up until 2017. The Annual Parochial Church Meeting Reports show the latest reports from most teams and groups.
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Together at Eleven |
Youth Group |
A visiting school group |