St James Episcopal Church

St James’ Episcopal Church, a Grade A listed building, houses the permanent interactive exhibition “Priests and Pipes,” which explores over three centuries of fascinating church history. The highlight of the exhibition is the Burns Bible (c.1716), originally used in the Episcopal Chapel on Stonehaven High Street. Once owned by Anne Cushnie, a cousin of Robert Burns, the Bible features family scribbles. The exhibition also details the imprisonment of St James’ Rector, Revd Alexander Greig, in 1748 in Stonehaven’s Tolbooth, along with other controversial events in the church’s past.The exhibition celebrates the achievements of John Wardle, who arrived in Stonehaven in 1881, built the church’s historic pipe organ, served as Organist and Choirmaster for 58 years, and constructed over 140 Wadsworth organs in Scotland. Visitors can also use the St James App for an Augmented Reality tour highlighting the building’s significant architecture. A series of one-minute videos can be viewed online at St James Exhibition Virtual Tour .The church itself is available for concerts, exhibitions, meetings, and other suitable events, with a capacity of approximately 300 people. Facilities include a pipe organ, grand piano, harpsichord (by arrangement), PA system, and Wi-Fi. Additionally, the church hall can accommodate 60 seated guests and offers a full range of support facilities.