The corner stone was laid on 18 June 1866[4] by the Archdeacon of Derby, Ven.

The architect was Joseph Peacock of Bloomsbury Square, London and the contractor was William Huddlestone of Lincoln.

Construction proceeded quickly and the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield on 27 December 1866[5] although the planned tower and spire had not been completed.

St James’ Church building is currently leased out as the Alter Rock climbing centre.

An organ was installed by Brindley & Foster and used for the first time on Easter Sunday, 1874.