Music at St James'
Music has always been at the heart of worship at St James'. From our historic pipe organ to our welcoming parish choir, we are blessed with a rich musical tradition that continues to enhance services, concerts and community life.
The Organ+
St James' is home to a remarkable part of Lancashire's musical heritage: a magnificent four-manual pipe organ, built in 1923 by Henry Willis & Sons, widely regarded as one of the greatest organ builders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Willis organs are celebrated for their rich orchestral sound, exceptional craftsmanship and musical versatility. The scale and quality of the instrument make it particularly distinguished for a parish church.
Earlier organs served St James from the late eighteenth century, but the arrival of the Willis organ marked a new chapter in the musical life of the parish.
Following damage caused by an arson attack in 1998, the organ was carefully restored by David Wells of Liverpool and was rededicated in 2000. Today it continues to inspire worship, accompany the choir and feature in concerts and special occasions.
Our Organist
Adrian van der Schans is both a solo recitalist and accompanist, having performed at venues including Chester Cathedral and Bolton Parish Church.
Adrian is highly valued throughout the parish and the wider area for his outstanding musicianship, commitment to liturgical music, and his faithful support of worship at St James'.
The Choir+
The Choir leads the congregation in worship each Sunday at our 10:45am Parish Eucharist, helping to enrich our services through music and song. Throughout the Church year they sing at special festivals and services, sometimes joining with the choir of St Thomas' Musbury for larger occasions.
Our Repertoire
The choir enjoys performing music from across the centuries, including works by composers such as Gabriel Fauré and Johann Sebastian Bach, alongside beautiful modern choral music by composers including Philip Stopford.
Join Our Choir
We are always delighted to welcome new singers. Whether you have years of choral experience or simply enjoy singing, you'll find a warm and encouraging group ready to help you become part of our musical ministry.
No auditions are required — just come along and join us.
Bell Ringing+
In brief
Sunday Service Ringing
Currently only occasional service ringing
Practice night:
Thursday 7.30pm–9.00pm
Although there isn’t currently a regular practice held at St James, we link with St Pauls Ramsbottom to provide both teaching and practices. The Rossendale towers work closely together to ensure all local bells ring out when required.
(For the first few weeks of a new learner there may be a variation to the times stated.)
Contact: Linden J Charnley (Tower Captain)
Email: stjameshaslingden@hotmail.com
Our Bells
St James has a ‘peal’ of eight bells which has been in the tower for almost 200 years. The heaviest bell is 16 hundredweights and the lightest is 6 hundredweights. All the bells were cast by T. Mears of London in 1830. They are very authentic and sit on the original wooden frame.
Learning to ring
The number of local ringers fluctuates and new learners are always sought after.
At Haslingden you will be made very welcome whatever your standard, be it beginner or advanced. It is a hobby which involves being part of a team, providing personal satisfaction and a service to the church, continually learning something new and, of course, enjoying social time outside the tower. Once you have learned the basic technique, you will always be made welcome when you visit other towers, of which there are more than 5,000 in Great Britain. There are also rings of bells hung in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Southern Africa and the USA, all available for the unique art of English change ringing.
The bells are for ringers’ pleasure and practice, but regular Sunday ringing before the morning service is important. Often, the bells are requested for weddings and other special occasions.
How long does it take to learn?
This can vary – it can take a few weeks or a few months. You can be tall, short, old, young, male, female, musical or non-musical. The basic skill lies in being able to control a bell that rotates full circle using a rope attached to its wheel. People progress at their own pace. It can take several weeks before it is safe to ring unsupervised.
The country is split into areas which have Associations or Guilds of bellringers. There are regular meetings where you can join others to practise the art at any level and enjoy fellowship and socialising wherever you may be.
At Haslingden we belong to the Rossendale Branch of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers and are available to host meetings for collective ringing and other events.
