The Church was consecrated by Bishop Cotton on “St. James” day, 25th July 1864. Although no details are available of this eventful ceremony, one can well imagine the animated scene outside the building as conveyances of all descriptions clustered together in the open countryside and churchyard, long before the hour of service. Inside the Church, it can be presumed, without doubt, that the edifice was packed to capacity with many standing about wherever possible.

On the arrival of the Bishop with his Chaplain, at the western doorway, the Bishop must have been received by the Archdeacon, the Senior and Junior Chaplains of the Church and several of the principal gentlemen of the city, the members of the Building Committee and the members of the Vestry Committee.

As the bell struck the appointed hour, the choir procession, which must have included a large number of a clergy of the diocese, moved slowly up the central aisle to their seats in the Chanel, the Bishop, preceded by his Chaplain, bearing the Pastoral staff, taking his place before the Altar.

The Petition of Consecration having been read aloud, was duly signed and made over to the Registrar of the Diocese. Other formalities having been completed, the Bishop proceeded with the Act of Consecration of the Church with great solemnity.