About St. James

Our patron is St James, known as 'the Great', probably because he was rather taller than the other disciple called James ('James the Less' or, more respectfully, 'James the Just'), who was the brother of Jesus.

James was the son of Zebedee and Salome. Zebedee was a fisherman and James, and his brother John joined him in the business. They were working with Simon Peter and Andrew when they were called to follow Jesus.

The two brothers, together with Peter, were present on key occasions throughout Jesus' ministry. They were there when Peter's wife's mother was healed and when Jesus raised Jairus' daughter. They were witnesses to the Transfiguration and were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion

After Jesus' resurrection, he met James and the other disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. Following Jesus' Ascension, James was among those assembled in the Upper Room when they received the Holy Spirit and set out with courage to proclaim the Gospel.

James died a martyr around 44 A.D., executed by Herod Agrippa.

James is credited with having taken the gospel message to Spain. His remains were taken back to Compostela, which has become a destination for pilgrims since the Middle Ages.
A scallop shell with Santiago de Compostella text
A scallop shell, a memento of Santiago de Compostela, hangs in St James' Church in Wick.

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello

The following information is specifically for those planning a visit, so that you know, beforehand, what to expect on a Sunday morning.

Where and When

We meet in 12 different church buildings across the Vale of Glamorgan - here's the list.

There are no rules when it comes to choosing which church to visit. Some people attend the church that's closest to where they live, others choose one that's important to them. Whichever you visit, you can be sure of a warm welcome.

Accessibility: Most of our church buildings have wheelchair access. Gileston is our only building that has only steps for access. Audio induction loops are available in most church buildings.

Toilets are available in our buildings in Llantwit Major, Southerndown and Ewenny.

People in church

What about my children?

We have a great programme lined up for children of all ages. Our Treasure Seekers meet in

St Illtud's, Llantwit Major
St James, Wick & St Mary, Monknash

Get in touch with us to plan your visit

If you would like to come and visit the church beforehand you are more than welcome! Get in touch and we can arrange a time that suits you.

Name:

Telephone:

Email Address:
Comments / Questions or anything you would like to say?

Next, we will contact you by email to say hello and help arrange anything necessary for your visit.

We hope that whoever you are, you will feel at home at our churches.