History of 221 Romaine Street – New Canadians Centre (Formerly St. James United Church)
 
1908-1933
Prior to 1908, there were two Methodist Churches in downtown Peterborough. George St. Methodist was constructed on the west side of George St. just north of McDonnell in 1834. The church was becoming overcrowded, and a new church was erected on the east side of George. The Charlotte St. Methodist was on the corner of Reid and Charlotte St. It was completed in 1874. By 1912, the congregation had outgrown its Charlotte St. complex and property was purchased between Reid and Rubidge St. for the new Trinity Methodist St. The cornerstone was laid in 1914. Two years later in 1916 a dedication service took place. Getting back to 1908, it was decided that a new Methodist Church should be built to serve the people in the south end. While the church was being built, worship services were held in a tent. After several months, the tent blew over, so worshippers met in King Edward School basement, while the new church was being built.
 
In October 1908 the cornerstone for what we know as Wesley Hall was laid. On March 28th, 1909, the first service was held in the new building. The Sunday School grew to 400 children, so by 1916, the congregation had outgrown its building. the Old Charlotte St. building was being demolished at the same time and bricks, lighting, pews, stained glass windows, pulpit and organ were all generously donated to St. James for the new sanctuary. The parishioners just had to transport everything to the new site.
 
The new cornerstone was laid in 1916, and the church was built by a Men’s Group called Nehemiah’s Band. The Ladies Aid provided the workers with lunch daily. The first service of dedication was on April 29, 1917. By 1930, the mortgage of $21,000 was paid off through the efforts of the Congregation which had grown to over 400. The parsonage was purchased on Romaine Street east of the church.
 
1933-1959
Even during the depression of the 30s, the church members arranged for extensive renovations which included the installation of a new steam heating plant. The Sunday School was still growing to between 441 and 581 children. A new pipe organ was purchased in 1939. A beautiful stained-glass window among other gifts to the church were presented.
 
By 1944, St. James was debt-free. After a very successful financial campaign extensive renovation and re-decorating were completed during the summer of 1955, with a new choir loft, new furnishings, pews, pulpit, carpeting and Baldwin organ. During the 1950s, the congregation grew to 1,000 members by our 50th Anniversary in 1958.
 
1959-1983
In 1959, a new parsonage was purchased on Princess Street. At this time there was a shortage of meeting space in the church so in 1953 a proposal to contract a Christian Education Centre. Sod turning took place on May 16, 1965, and dedication service held on April 24, 1966. At the cost of $133,000 the new facilities included large and small auditoriums, kitchen, library, friendship room, offices and many new classrooms.
 
The dining tent at the Peterborough Exhibition was a big part of the fundraising for the church from 1912 until 1972. After this, the Men’s Club sold Christmas trees for several years, auction sales, meat pie bees and interest free loans were provided by several members. The St. James Players were formed in 1972. They have made countless contributions to the Church and other charities. They have provided opportunities for many young people to develop their talents.
 
In 1980, the congregations supported the family of four who were fleeing Vietnam. This was a very rewarding journey for those of us who helped the family. They eventually settled in Toronto, all went to university, had two more children and sponsored more of their family. In 1983, chimes were installed in the tower of the church. They played for several years at noon hour until neighbours complained.
 
1983 to Present
Over the years, many groups were an important part of the St. James Church family, such as UCW, Men’s Club, Junior and Senior Choirs, HiC youth groups, couples club, prayer chain group, hockey & baseball teams, exployers & CGIT, beavers, scouts, carpet bowlers, craft group, card club, St. James Players. They all in their own way made St. James an important part of the members and the community lives.
 
Today we still have UCW, St. James Players and craft group. The Ladies groups included Baby Band, Kings Own, Everawake, Excelsior which amalgamated into the UCW in 1962. The New Canadians Centre contract began on October 1st, 2013 after about 2 1/2 years of partnering. Our mural on the outside south wall of the gym was completed with the Arts School of Peterborough and the NCC in 2017. We adopted the Knox United Church camp program with summer camps beginning in 2010. St. James started Messy Church on Wednesday evenings in 2012 and now we have Messy Church 4 times a year on Sundays. We became an Affirming Church in 2017. We are active participants in the Abraham Festival. In 2018, our new electronic sign was installed and is very helpful in getting our message out to the community. We were involved in the Shining Waters Faith Festival in 2015 with all the United Churches.
 
Our 17 ministers began with Rev. Manning to our Rev. Julie at present. Music Directors have been enriching our services from Mrs. Noreen Renaud through Ruth King-Seabrook and Brian MacDonald to today with Danny Bronson. We have a 5-year Vision Plan and embarked on a big renovation in our sanctuary to make it completely accessible.
 
In April 2025, after tremendous prayerful consideration as a congregation, it was time for hope and new beginnings as a tenant in the building when the New Canadians Centre acquired the building from the St. James United Church.

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