History

The Beginnings

Crinken Church Building Crinken Church

Two minds with but a single thought, and then- Crinken. The minds were those of two widow ladies, living in adjoining properties at Woodbrook and Corke Farm, Bray; and the thought – to have a church in the neighbourhood. Accordingly one came forward with the land and the other with the money, and the church was built. And here … is the story.

St James Crinken was established and built as a result of the gift of two women, Mrs. Margaret Clarke, then living at Woodbrook, and Mrs. Hannah Georgina Magan, of Killyon Manor, Co. Meath, but residing from time to time at Corke Farm, beside Woodbrook.

Early Years

The first minister was Rev. John Winthrop Hackett, who thirty-six years of age when the church began, who was previously curate of St. Michael’s, Cork.

The church opened on Sunday, 28th June 1840. Canon Daly was the preacher. Daly was rector of Powerscourt in Enniskerry and in 1842 became Dean of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, and was appointed Bishop of Cashel in the following year.Canon Daly’s sermon was based on the text, ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,’ from Matthew 28, and was an encouragement to both evangelism in Ireland and to overseas mission. The following Sunday Mr. Hackett’s preached his first sermon. His text was appropriate for one who was from 2 Corinthians 2:15-16:

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?’

In a letter from Margaret Clarke to Hackett she writes: Fervently I do pray that you my dear Sir may be enabled to carry on the work (committed to your trust) with power, and that you may be made the honoured instrument of leading many sinners to the knowledge of a Saviour.

There is a memorial to John Hackett in Crinken church: It reads:

This tablet and the neighbouring Memorial Hall were erected in loving remembrance of the Rev. John Winthrop Hackett, M.A., the first minister of this church and for nearly half a century its devoted pastor. Gifted with a rare and persuasive eloquence, his aim was ever to exalt the saviour, win the sinner, and edify the church of God. The cause of Christian missions throughout the world was dear to his heart, but a lover of his country above all; he zealously promoted the work of Scriptural Education in this land, and earnestly laboured for Ireland’s true enlightenment and peace.

“To him, to live was Christ, and to die was gain”

He entered into rest November 23rd 1888, aged 84 years

Trustee Church

St. James’ Crinken is a trustee Church committed to evangelical ministry and witness . This means that under the terms of the church’s trust, the trustees decide the vital issue of the appointment of a new pastor.
The current trustees of the church are:

  • Mr Basil Good (Chairman)
  • Bishop Ken Clarke
  • Mrs Lily Reid
  • Mr Robert Thompson
  • Mr Geoff Scargill
  • Mrs Sharon Bradshaw
  • Rev Trevor Stevenson

And Today…

Cab Williams Cab Williams, 1971-1981

Ken Clarke Ken Clarke, 1982-1986

As we look forward to the future we thank God for the commitment and vision of those who built this church and worshipped here themselves over 170 years ago. It’s a reminder of how the Lord can use each one of us to further His kingdom and bring glory to His name

Ministers at Crinken

  • John Winthrop Hackett 1840-1883
  • Thomas Hackett 1883-1903
  • William Weir 1904-1906
  • A.J. Culwick 1906-1909
  • D.H. Gillman 1909-1911
  • Robert Miller 1911-1916
  • John Oliver 1916-1922
  • F.E.Bland 1922-1947
  • E. Mahon Neil 1947-1961
  • J. Charles Combe 1961-1966
  • Frederick Young 1967-1970
  • C.A.B. Williams 1971-1981
  • Ken Clarke 1982-1986
  • Earl Storey 1986-1997
  • Gordon Fyles 1998-2004
  • Edward Vaughan 2005-2011