St James the Less
Rawtenstall, Lancashire
A handsome, historic mid 19th century church featuring a striking open timber roof and modern Brazilian gold granite sanctuary fittings.
Regarded as the Civic Church for events such as Remembrance Day and the Armed Forces Flag raising, it has a prominent tower with four clock faces and striking bells at quarter hour intervals. The church benefactors included well known cotton mill owners from the 19th century and there are references to them throughout the church.
The organ is one of only two in the country. Unusually the war memorial in the church is of those who served in the Great War, not those killed. That memorial is on the outside wall of the church. There is some fine stained glass at both the east and wets ends of the church as well as smaller pieces on the side walls.
Remodelled in 2006, the pews were removed and the lighting and heating improved meaning the church is used as a fund raising concert venue by local choirs.