Historic Information
from "A Brief history of St. James' Parish" prepared in 1968 by Mr. F.G. Rich

1793 - 40,000 acres were set aside for settlement on the River Latranch (now called the Thames). The first white settler was Major Thomas Ingersoll, who chose the land for the community on advice from the famous Indian Chief Joseph Brant, whom he had met in New York.

1834 - The first services for St. James' parish were held in the schoolhouse, somewhere near the site of Victory Memorial School. The Rev. John Rothwell was incumbent. From 1793 until 1839 the parish was part of the Diocese of Quebec. It then became part of the Diocese of Toronto.

1852 - Ingersoll was incorporated as a village and elected its first council, three of whom were members of St. James' parish.

1857 - St. James' Church, Ingersoll, became part of the new Diocese of Huron.

1865 - "A meeting of the congregation was held in the Church with the Rev. Mr. Hincks in the chair, to take into consideration the building of a new church."

1868 - At the Vestry Meeting on April 13 it was resolved..."the the Building Committee be requested to proceed with the building of a new church with as little delay as possible."

1869 - The new building (our present church) was completed.