Community Hall

St James Hall opened in 1820 and became the home of the town's first school which charged students 10 pennies a week to attend! The hall has continued to serve our community for the last 200 years through social functions, luncheon clubs for the elderly, amateur operatic and dramatic society productions, pantomimes and, in the 1950s and 60s, accommodating classes from Aire View Primary School.

Today it is still well used by around 500 people a week from local community groups including

1st Silsden Guides, Brownies and Rainbows
1st Steeton Guides
1st Silsden Scouts, Cubs and Beavers
Mothers' Union
Pied Piper Pre-School
Charity Coffee Mornings and Evenings
Churches Together in Silsden
Silsden Grand de Party events/meetings
Church Social Events
Knit Stitch and Natter Group
Slimming World
Silsden photographic Group
Community Events

In 2017 Project 200+ was launched and we embarked on a fund-raising campaign to raise £350,000 to refurbish and modernise the Hall. The design proposals were developed in liaison with our users. Local opinion was canvassed through a project leaflet delivered to each household asking for feedback
The project has been divided into phases that can proceed as funds become available.

2017 Phase 1: Installation of new heating boilers.
2019 Phase 2 Installation of bifold doors, extended external paved area, provision of step free access to main entrance. Wi-fi installation.
2021 Phase 3 New timber floor to the main hall, upgrade the entrance lobby, replan toilet area, fit dementia friendly signage, conversion of the Scout‘s storage room to a new WC facility accessible from within the Church, refurbishment of church vestry.
2023 Phase 4/5 (planned) Hall Internal fit out and external weatherproofing works needed to complete the overall works.

We would like to thank our many donors for their generosity.
In addition to gifts and donations from parishioners and participants in our community events, we would like to express our grateful thanks to the organisations (listed below) who have enabled the project to progress to the benefit of current and future generations in Silsden.

Benefact Trust (previously Allchurches Trust)
Beatrice Laing Trust
Bradford Community Fund
Co-Op Local Community Fund
Craven Trust
Harry Beverly Tillotson Trust
Silsden Aid in Sickness
Sir George Martin Trust
The Bernard Sunley Charitable Foundation
The National Lottery Community Fund

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

If you’re planning a visit, here’s what to expect on a Sunday with us.

Where and When

We meet at the Church Building (details here) every Sunday at 9:30am and 11:00am. When you arrive, a member of our Welcome Team (wearing a welcome lanyard) will be happy to greet you and help you find your way.
Refreshments
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are served in the hall between services — a great chance to meet people or take a moment to settle in. We ask for a small contribution.
If you’re coming to the 11:00am service, refreshments are available from around 10:15am.
Accessibility

Wheelchair access via the Community Hall
Sound loop available
Disabled toilets in both the church and the hall
Please let the Welcome Team know if you need any assistance.

Our Services

9:30am – Holy Communion
A more traditional service led by Rev Simon, Rev Bob, Rev Pat, or Rev Tony.

Hymns accompanied by our organist, Chris
Words projected on screens
Lasts around 50 minutes
Livestreamed and uploaded to YouTube

11:00am – Informal Service
A relaxed and varied service that changes week to week.

Music via screen or our small worship group
Readings, a talk, and sometimes congregation participation
Led by members of the church community or home groups

First Sunday of the Month – The Gathering
A café-style, informal service in the hall.

9:15am: Light breakfast
10:00am: Service around tables (finishes just before 11:00)
Followed by a short spoken Holy Communion service in church

You’re welcome to attend The Gathering, the Communion service, or both.
At the end of all services, we share church news and notices — and at The Gathering, we also celebrate birthdays (with chocolate!).

images: Services

What about my kids?

Children’s Groups
Run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for primary school–aged children. Using The Biggest Story curriculum, children explore the Bible through storytelling, discussion, games, and activities in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.

Childrens area
Pizza Praise
A relaxed, joyful time for children and parents to enjoy stories about Jesus, singing, crafts, and pizza together.
When: Every Sunday 4:00–5:30pm, except the first Sunday of the month.

Getting Connected

LifeGroups

LifeGroups are a great way to build friendships, share life, and support one another. Groups meet throughout the week. Take a look at our LifeGroups, or we can connect you with a group leader.

Serving and Volunteering

If you’d like to get involved and help Sundays run smoothly, you’re very welcome to join one of our serving teams.

Other Ministries

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.