St. James Anglican Church Completes $1.1 Million Bell Tower Restoration

The bell tower of St. James Anglican Church in Stratford has undergone a significant restoration, concluding a project that commenced in spring 2023. This $1.1 million renovation addressed longstanding structural issues and was made possible largely due to a generous donation from parish member Lois Webb, who passed away just days before her 85th birthday in 2022.

Rev. Rob Lemon highlighted the challenges the church faced prior to the renovation. “The last time they repointed, the wrong mortar was used, and it was a harder mortar that caused the bricks to be spalling,” he explained. The damaged bricks necessitated the installation of metal mesh around the affected portion of the tower to contain the crumbling material.

Safety concerns primarily arose from the outer wall of the tower, which had weathered significantly over the years. “We didn’t want bricks falling out, or pieces of brick falling on people’s heads,” Rev. Lemon added, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety.

The restoration project included not only the brickwork but also window repairs and the installation of lead-coated copper to mitigate future water damage. This revitalization of the bell tower, originally built in 1909, reflects the church’s commitment to preserving its historical architecture for future generations.

Peter Ryde, the church’s bell chimer, noted the significance of the bells in the community. He stated, “Bell towers are expensive. They’re like 100-feet tall, 14-foot square chimneys. They have to be tended to.” Ryde has been involved with ringing the bells since 1970 and returned to the role in 1996. He explained that the bells have played a vital role in community life, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being the only bell player, I was still able to come up. I rang the bells every Sunday morning, and I did concerts during the week,” Ryde recalled. Neighbors often gathered outside to listen, underscoring the bells’ importance beyond the church congregation. During a time of isolation, these musical moments provided a sense of connection and community.

The restoration of the bell tower is part of a larger three-phase plan to secure and preserve the church building, which is now 156 years old. The next phase will include replacing the roof on the south side of the church. Rev. Lemon expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The building is going to be ready to serve the community for many, many years moving forward.”

Community support has been crucial throughout this process, and the church has demonstrated its role as a cultural and spiritual cornerstone in Stratford. As the bells resume their call, they not only mark time but also signal the resilience and unity of a community committed to preserving its heritage.