It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Tunstall, the archdeaconry of Lancaster and the diocese of Blackburn.

[1][4] St James' is constructed in sandstone rubble, and has a stone slate roof.

Its plan consists of a nave, a north aisle, a south porch, a chancel, a northeast vestry and organ chamber, and a west tower.

It consists of pointed arches carried on octagonal piers, with bases and capitals said to date from the 12th century.

[2] The stained glass in the east window is by Burlison and Grylls and dates from the late 19th century.

The window also incorporates glass depicting the arms of the Duke of Lancaster in grisaille, dating from about 1300 to about 1400.

The west window in the aisle contains glass by Shrigley and Hunt, dated 1909, depicting Saint Helen.