One of two worship centres in the Parish of South Darebin, we keep the best of the past while practising our faith in a tolerant, open and inclusive way. We love the beauty and mystery of the Anglo-Catholic style of worship, and enjoy both traditional and modern Anglican music. We observe the festivals and seasons of the year. We also have progressive values – tolerance of difference, interest in other faiths, respect for people of all ages, backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Our parish seeks to welcome everyone, to share our experience of God, to reach out to those who need help, and to engage in issues of social justice. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, traditional owners of the land on which both parish churches were built and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We pray for a just outcome for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Services are held twice weekly at St James, on Thursday and Sunday mornings. For details of upcoming services at both worship centres in the parish, see our Services page.

Hello.  My name is Chris Carolane, and I am the Acting Vicar of the parish.

I came here at the beginning of March 2024, and I know that if you join our community, you will find the same loving welcome that I received when I arrived. Perhaps you are looking for a new church, or are thinking about coming to church for the first time.  We would love you to join us.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like a chat.

Canon Chris

We are a people of varying ages from different walks of life and ethnic backgrounds.  Our main area of commonality is a shared belief in the Lord Jesus who taught that we should love each other in the same way that he showed radical love when he was on Earth. We take seriously Jesus’ command to love all people. 

It is this love for others that urges us to care for the marginalised, refugees and asylum seekers, indigenous peoples and the poor. We are people who pray for each other and those in need, and who seek to learn from what is written in Bible.

Getting to St James

St James is on the corner of Pender and Newcastle Streets, Thornbury. There is ample free on-street parking in surrounding streets. Wheelchair access is by the East door on Newcastle street; the main entrance is via the ramp on Newcastle street.

Public transport options

Bus 552 North Eastern Reservoir to Northcote Plaza
Stops on the corner of Dundas and Newcastle Streets, only a block away from the church.

Bus 513 Glenroy to Eltham
Stops near the corner of Bell and Newcastle Streets, a one-kilometre walk from the church.

Tram 86 Bundoora to Waterfront City/Docklands
Stop No 42 is on the corner of High and Dundas Streets, a kilometre walk from the church. Or you can catch the 552 bus from this stop in Dundas Street and travel to Newcastle Street.