In 1931, the original seating layout was changed, creating a centre aisle running east and west to the newly erected chancel area. The gallery was removed on all but the east wall. This change brought back the feeling of height.

In 1965, the Kirk hall was renovated and extended toward the north to provide a minister’s study and additional classroom space for the Church School. Many of the rooms have been furnished in memory of former members of the congregation.

THE FIRST KIRK - MISCELLANEOUS

Although the records are not as complete as is desirable, the sources that are available provide information on these matters of concern to the congregation of the first Kirk.

— One of the earliest mentions of the Ladies of the Church occurs in 1851, when they were thanked for procuring a bell from the United States for the Church. It seems that the ladies were free to make the money but were not at liberty to spend it without the consent of the Trustees. The Ladies’ Bazaars realized large sums of money, which were given to the Trustees for various projects.

— On October 7, 1853, three members of the Kirk drowned when the ship ‘‘The Fairy Queen’’ sank in rough seas. The story of the phantom bell- ringers and its strange coincidence with the wreck of the Fairy Queen is an interesting legend connected with the Kirk of Saint James. To this day the weird experience of Captain Cross, Davy Nicholson, the beadle, and Reverend Snodgrass is accepted for what it’s worth. Were there three or four mysterious ladies involved in ringing the Church bell early that morning?

— In the early years, pew rent was collected from the congregation.

— The 1855 cost per sabbath was as follows: ‘‘A’’ seats - 60 cents, ‘‘D’’ seats - 30 cents, and the gallery 5 to 10 cents.

— In 1855, the decision was taken to build a manse.

— On July 9, 1857, the Trustees ordered a ‘‘necessary’’ to be built on the manse grounds.

— In 1858, there was a strike of the choir at Saint James Church. — In 1861, gas lighting was installed in the Church.

— In November 1866, the Session and Trustees met to consider the propriety of purchasing an organ.

— In September 1867, Presbytery sanctioned the purchase of the organ.