St. James Anglican Church Bell Tower Restored After Years of Planning

The bell tower of St. James Anglican Church in Stratford has been successfully restored, concluding a project that had been in development for several years. While the restoration work formally commenced in spring 2023, the planning process began long before as the church aimed to address significant structural issues.

Rev. Rob Lemon explained that previous renovation efforts had inadvertently used the wrong type of mortar, which led to deterioration of the bricks. “The last time they repointed, the wrong mortar was used, and it was a harder mortar that caused the bricks to be spalling,” he stated. To mitigate further damage, a metal mesh was installed to contain loose bricks from the affected areas.

The restoration work addressed safety concerns, particularly regarding an outer wall that had sustained considerable wear over time. “We didn’t want bricks falling out, or pieces of brick falling on people’s heads,” Lemon emphasized. The exterior brickwork repair lasted until August 2023 and included window repairs and the installation of lead-coated copper to protect against future water damage.

This extensive renovation, which cost $1.1 million, was made possible largely due to a generous donation of $900,000 from parish member Lois Webb, who passed away in 2022 just days before her 85th birthday. The community’s support has been pivotal in ensuring the longevity of the bell tower. “Being able to restore the tower because of Webb’s generosity is wonderful,” said Peter Ryde, who is responsible for ringing the bells.

The significance of the bells extends beyond the church community. Ryde highlighted their role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he continued to ring the bells every Sunday morning, providing solace to parishioners and neighbors alike. “This became a really important part of the day for a couple of years there,” he recalled. Ryde has been actively involved with the bells for over 50 years, performing at various church events and concerts, and he noted that the bells have become a cherished aspect of community life.

The recent restoration marks the second phase of a three-part plan aimed at securing and preserving the church, which has stood for over 156 years. The final phase will include replacing the roof on the church’s south side. 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.”

The successful restoration of the bell tower not only enhances the church’s structural integrity but also reinforces its role as a vital community landmark, ensuring that the sound of the bells will continue to resonate for generations to come.