Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals
The walls of St James’ Church have witnessed countless baptisms, marriages and funerals since 1824 until the present day, and the current congregation loves to share each other’s joys and sorrows. As Christians, we see profound resonance to these markers of life as we celebrate new birth, covenant relationship, or provide comfort and support as we mourn with each other before our God.
Please note: due to the installation of the new pipe organ, no weddings can be held in the church
from 1 November 2021 until 31 July 2022. You are welcome to contact the Parish Office for further details.
Baptisms
Baptism is available to all who seek to follow the way of Jesus. It is one of the two great sacraments of the church (the other is the Eucharist, which is available to all the baptised). Anyone who wants to join the Christian church must be baptised.
ADULTS
At St James’, as in other Christian churches, it is usual for adults to spend some time worshipping, talking to clergy and parishioners as well as reading and praying before being baptised.
INFANTS
Baptism is not a naming ceremony. It is an affirmation by everyone involved of their Christian faith and, in the case of infants, an undertaking to bring them up in the Christian faith.
ON THE DAY
Baptism at St James’ is usually during a Sunday Parish Eucharist, at 9.00am. This is a very appropriate setting for baptism. The presence of many other Christians reminds us that in being baptised, one is joining the church. Private baptisms are still done from time to time as well, although it is the tradition of the church that no baptisms will be carried out during Lent between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday.
Weddings
The Church of St James’ is a place of history, tradition, and inclusion.
St James’, King Street is not simply a ‘venue’; couples who get married at St James’ come asking God’s blessing on their marriage and for help in keeping the vows that they make. We welcome all who want to make these promises before God.
There are also legal requirements for marriage in Australia, governed by the Commonwealth Marriage Act. There are also some requirements in order to be married within the Anglican Church.
The fee includes the church, the celebrant (a member of the St James’ clergy), the verger, the organist and the marriage preparation course. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. Not included in the fee but available to arrange are Flowers, Bells, and Choristers.
Funerals
‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’
For the Christian death is an end, but only to life as we now know it. The promise of our baptism, repeated during the Eucharist, is fulfilled after our death. We shall live with Jesus in eternity.
At St James’ funerals vary from brief simple prayer services to Choral Requiem Eucharists.
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