“Will Rhosddu lose yet another historic landmark?” – St James Church set for final service in six weeks time

A church in the heart of a local community is set to close its doors for the final time next month.

The Church in Wales has proposed to close St James’ Church in Rhosddu, Wrexham after almost 150 years of continuous worship, with members expressing their concern about the decision.

The wider announcement has now been made on the Church Facebook page, with a final church service will be on Sunday 21st April at 11:00am.

A church member told Wrexham.com, “I am appalled at the way that this decision has been arrived at and how the wishes of the Church Committee have been over-ruled by the Archdeacon.

“It appears that the congregation and people of Rhosddu have not been given the opportunity to fight this decision, due to the speed and lack of consultation with which the decision was made.

“Many feel that the people of St James’ and Rhosddu have been let down”

Another long standing church member said: “St James has been left to cope by themselves by the church authorities, over the years, to manage the church during the many inter-Regnums, when clergy have moved on.

“This time, when we need the support from Church hierarchy to take the church forward, and to reach out to the community, the opposite has happened, with the very worst outcome.”

Before the church closes, there is also an Open Day at St James’ Church between 10:00am and 2:00pm for people to come in, share memories, look around, light a candle and enjoy refreshments.

However, before then, according to the church “Herald” Newsletter, there is the Church Annual Congregational Meeting, or AGM after a short service at 11:00am on Sunday 17 March.

A church member added: “The church members in St James’ regard themselves as a family.

“If their church were to close, they want to continue to worship together, rather than be disbanded, or disbursed. They are still praying for a reversal of this closure decision.”

They added” “In the event of the closure of St James’ church, it is not known what will become of this beautiful historical Grade 2 listed building. Rhosddu has already lost one landmark building next door.

“Will Rhosddu lose yet another historic landmark? Where generations of Wrexham folk have celebrated life milestones, many of whom will not be aware of the proposed closure of this most loved building?”

“It looks as if St James’ church may be lost without a fight. Would residents of Rhosddu protest at losing one of its other institutions, like say, Rhosddu School?

“It will be a sad day indeed if the proposed closure goes ahead.”