About Us

Saint James has served the town and community of Whitehaven for over 250 years. Each day we offer worship to God in our beautiful church and we seek to serve and care for all who live or work in our parish. We want to be a community where all are welcome and accepted, especially as we gather around the altar of God every Sunday to offer the Eucharist.

One of our most important links with the community is through the work of the St Nicholas' Centre which is situated right in the heart of the town centre.

Running a parish of this size involves a great number of people; some paid, but mostly volunteers. Here are some of the principle names of the team at the Parish of Whitehaven:

The Rector is John Bannister. John is the first point of contact for anything to do with the worshipping or pastoral life of the parish, including baptisms and marriages.

John Kelly is our non-stipendiary assistant priest and supports the rector in the leading of worship and pastoral care. He lives at St. John's House, 9 St. John's Terrace, Bigrigg (01946 812668)

Audrey Ashbridge is our Parish Reader. She is licensed by the Bishop to assist in the leading of worship and preaching. As a member of the ministry team, Audrey also provides pastoral care, especially to our older people as well as involvement with St James' Junior Church and St James Little Pilgrims, carer and toddler group. See the Parish Organisations Page for more details of the Junior Church and Little Pilgrims.

Arthur Ashbridge is our Commissioned Lay Minister (CLM), with responsibilty as Buildings Maintenance Co-ordinator.

Dorothy Graham is one of the two churchwardens. She shares a responsibility on behalf of the bishop to ensure that the parish is functioning well. She is also the Verger and Sacristan. As well as having a ceremonial role within worship, Dorothy is present at marriage and funeral services. As sacristan, she is responsible for the care of the sacred objects used in worship. The position of second warden is currently vacant.

The two churchwardens are elected at the Annual Meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to assist and support the Rector in the running of the parish.

Becky Lister is the parish secretary and manages the parish office, where the routine administrative tasks of the parish take place. She works from 9.30 to 2.30 on Thursday and Friday at the parish office which is situated in St Nicholas’ Centre. Contact no. (01946) 599485,

Sigrid Hoesl-Leech is our organist and choirmaster. More details of the choir are on the Parish Organisations Page. Contact 01946 693906.