Friern Barnet and Finchley Photo Archive

St James has now been leased to St Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church as of 2009.

My direct ancestor, Robert Morris, was rector of this church for many years, circa 1850. His family lived in the rectory. His son, Edmond, is my great, great grandfather. I am thrilled to have discovered my roots after so many years!

My mum was a child living in Halliwick School for disabled girls, in 1945 up to 1950, and went to this church on Sundays. Betty Hinchslif was her name and she had a friend who used to write to her from St Saviours called Daphne, Does anyone know her?

So sad after this being Church of England for so long. We were married there 55 years ago. J

I was a choir boy at St James in the late 60's and got married there in 1990. I was a pupil at the St James boys school up the road that is now part of Queenswell I believe.

I was a choirboy at St James too, from 1967 to 1973 - and I remember you, Greg Fisher! I could list dozens of boys from that era - and my grandfather was a chorister therein 1900!

I was baptised in St James church C of E. My headmaster Mr Smith of St. John's school. Nice place

My father and various members of my family were baptised or married here. I was married in the church in 1962. I can hardly believe that such a beautiful church is no longer Church of England.

I was married in this lovely old church in October 1963. The young vicar was Rev'd John Budd. I too am very sad to hear the church is no longer Church of England.
Added by Shirley Cullen on 8th April 2016

My grandparents, Frank Godwin and Constance Ethel Taylor, were married here in 1902 by the rev Henry Hawkins.?Frank was the youngest son of H.L.W.Godwin, solicitor, New Southgate. Constance was the eldest daughter of Alexander Taylor, who died in 1900 vand Constance Taylor who died in 1914.The Priory (on the site of the present town hall) was the Taylor family home.

I attended this church and the less beautiful St. John’s in the early 50s. Although I married and went to live in Canada I brought my infant son “home” in 1959 and he was christened in St. James at that time. My friends and relatives all praised the church as did my Canadian friends when, later, they saw photographs of the event. I have very moving memories set in this beautiful building and churchyard

I too was a chorister at St James The Great from around 1952 until about 1958/9. Mr Tudor Philips was the choirmaster and his son John was also in the choir. My mother, Dorothy, was a regular attendee along with my Godmother, Doris Hammersley, whose son Peter was also a chorister. I sang many a solo as Head Chorister, but the annual performance of Stainers Crusifiction on Good Friday, was always a highlight for me. What memories!

Is a memorial plaque to Peter Fry still in the church? Peter died in World War Two, and was a member of the 199th Group. I have memories of attending an unveiling service when in the cubs

I went past this church on my bike or the 134 bus four times every school day from 1945-49 when Mr Greaves was headmaster of St James Junior Boys School. It was 4 times as I had to go home for lunch because so many boys had free lunches and filled all the available space. My sister was married there in 1955; she is no longer with us, but she would have been amazed to hear that it is now Greek Orthodox.

Hi Peter - I recollect that a Mr Grieves was Headmaster of Holly Park Secondary Modern School in the 1940’s - Think he took over from Mr Golding, Mr Calkin was senior master - Miss Kind was senior mistress.Pleased to know that you are still alive and kicking! PeteW -

For some reason, my mother rushed to enrol me at St James junior boys school in 1945, so I never went to Holly Park. I never suffered personally, but our Mr Greaves was a tough disciplinarian who often caned boys on the palm of the hand in front of the whole class. He did have a lot to put up with, e.g. he had to physically throw 3 boys out for disrupting an 11+ exam. I’m sure that I would have been happier at Holly Park.

Phishing Perhaps you were lucky - in attending Woodhouse with Barry Steele, and David Philpott. The slipper, cane, and ruler were used at Holly Park Secondary School - the ruler was used edge on to knuckles. A swift clip around the back of the head, also a painful tug of the earlobe for not paying attention! But we did play British Bulldog in the scouts - PeteW

I also attended St James in 1945 and remember Mr Greaves , also remember Miss Le Roy who trained a very successful football team remember Brian Hitchcock and Robin Bandy as team members .I also was in 199 scout group as were my Brothers Ken &Norman .
Peter Fry was close friends to Ken .
Regards to all who remember me Tony JELLEY

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