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Sir Christopher Wren, appointed architect in 1672, designed and oversaw the construction of St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sir Christopher Wren, a preeminent figure in English architecture, was appointed architect for St. James's Church, Piccadilly, in 1672 and subsequently directed its design and construction.
The principal construction material for St. James's Church, Piccadilly, was Portland stone, with red brick used for dressings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary construction material for St. James's Church, Piccadilly, was red brick, with Portland stone utilized for its dressings, contrary to the statement.
The organ case originally housed an organ built by Renatus Harris for St Paul's Cathedral.
Answer: False
Explanation: The organ case originally housed an organ constructed by Renatus Harris for the Roman Catholic chapel at Whitehall Palace, not for St Paul's Cathedral.
Who was the principal architect responsible for the design and construction of St James's Church, Piccadilly?
Answer: Sir Christopher Wren
Explanation: Sir Christopher Wren, a preeminent figure in English architecture, was appointed architect for St. James's Church, Piccadilly, in 1672 and subsequently directed its design and construction.
What were the principal materials employed in the construction of St. James's Church, Piccadilly?
Answer: Red brick for the main structure and Portland stone for dressings
Explanation: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is constructed from red brick, with Portland stone utilized for its dressings. These materials were characteristic of English ecclesiastical architecture during the period of its construction.
Which celebrated sculptor created the carved marble baptismal font and the limewood reredos within the church?
Answer: Grinling Gibbons
Explanation: The intricately carved marble baptismal font and the limewood reredos are significant interior features, both executed by Grinling Gibbons, a celebrated sculptor renowned for his masterful wood and stone carvings.
Who created the ornate organ case on the west wall of St James's Church?
Answer: Grinling Gibbons
Explanation: The elaborate organ case, fashioned from carved and gilded oak, was the work of Grinling Gibbons, a sculptor celebrated for his highly detailed decorative artistry.
The external pulpit was damaged during World War II due to enemy action.
Answer: True
Explanation: The external pulpit of St. James's Church, Piccadilly, sustained damage in 1940 as a consequence of enemy action during the London Blitz.
Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St Albans, received a land grant in 1662 for residential development that included a site for the church.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1662, Henry Jermyn, 1st Earl of St Albans, was granted land for a residential development project, which crucially included a designated site for the parish church and its churchyard.
St. James's Church, Piccadilly, was consecrated on July 13, 1684, by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Answer: False
Explanation: The consecration of St. James's Church, Piccadilly, occurred on July 13, 1684, but it was performed by Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, not the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The church suffered significant damage from enemy action on October 14, 1940, during the London Blitz.
Answer: True
Explanation: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, sustained severe damage from enemy action on October 14, 1940, during the London Blitz, necessitating extensive post-war repairs and restoration.
Sir Christopher Wren was the principal architect responsible for the post-war restoration of the church.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Sir Christopher Wren designed the original church, the principal architect responsible for its post-war restoration was Sir Albert Richardson.
The post-war restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, was completed in 1954, and the original spire was replaced with a fiberglass replica.
Answer: True
Explanation: The post-war restoration of St. James's Church, Piccadilly, concluded in 1954. A notable aspect of this restoration involved replacing the original lead-covered spire with a lighter fiberglass replica.
Southwood Garden is a memorial garden established by Queen Mary in 1946.
Answer: True
Explanation: Southwood Garden, a garden of remembrance, was established in the churchyard following the Second World War. Inaugurated by Queen Mary in 1946, it was conceived by Viscount Southwood to commemorate the resilience of Londoners.
When was St James's Church, Piccadilly, officially consecrated?
Answer: July 13, 1684
Explanation: The church was consecrated by Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, on July 13, 1684, signifying its official inauguration for religious services.
What significant event occurred on October 14, 1940, that severely impacted St. James's Church, Piccadilly?
Answer: The church sustained severe damage from enemy action during the London Blitz.
Explanation: On October 14, 1940, St. James's Church, Piccadilly, sustained severe damage from enemy action during the London Blitz, necessitating extensive post-war repairs and restoration.
Who oversaw the restoration of St James's Church, Piccadilly, after World War II?
Answer: Sir Albert Richardson
Explanation: Sir Albert Richardson directed the restoration of St. James's Church, Piccadilly, subsequent to World War II. The restoration was executed by specialist contractors, Rattee and Kett of Cambridge.
What was the designated purpose of Southwood Garden, established in the post-World War II era?
Answer: A garden of remembrance.
Explanation: Southwood Garden, a garden of remembrance, was established in the churchyard following the Second World War. Inaugurated by Queen Mary in 1946, it was conceived by Viscount Southwood to commemorate the resilience of Londoners.
Samuel Clarke, Rector from 1709 to 1729, was known for his contributions as a philosopher.
Answer: True
Explanation: Samuel Clarke, who served as Rector from 1709 to 1729, was also a distinguished philosopher, integrating significant intellectual contributions with his pastoral duties.
Lucy Winkett has served as the Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, since 2010.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lucy Winkett holds the position of current Rector at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, having assumed this role in 2010.
Leopold Stokowski served as the choirmaster from 1902 to 1905 before moving to Paris.
Answer: False
Explanation: Leopold Stokowski served as choirmaster at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, from 1902 to 1905, prior to his relocation to a comparable position in New York, not Paris.
William Blake, the poet and artist, was baptized at St James's Church, Piccadilly.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Blake, the influential poet and artist, is among the notable individuals baptized at St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Ottobah Cugoano was baptized under the name Ottobah Cugoano on August 20, 1773.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ottobah Cugoano was baptized at St. James's Church on August 20, 1773, under the name John Stuart, later becoming widely recognized by his birth name.
The great-grandparents of Francis Scott Key were married at St James's Church, Piccadilly.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Ross and Alicia Arnold, the paternal great-grandparents of Francis Scott Key (composer of the American national anthem), were married at St. James's Church, establishing a connection to a significant figure in American history.
Angelica Kauffman married Frederick de Horn, a renowned art critic, in 1767.
Answer: False
Explanation: Angelica Kauffman married Frederick de Horn at St. James's Church in 1767. However, de Horn was an imposter who was already married, not a renowned art critic.
Explorer George Bass married Elizabeth Waterhouse at St James's Church in 1800.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Bass, the explorer recognized for his discoveries in Australia and the Bass Strait, married Elizabeth Waterhouse at St. James's Church in 1800.
Robert Graves married Nancy Nicholson in 1918, with George Mallory serving as best man.
Answer: True
Explanation: Robert Graves married Nancy Nicholson in the church in 1918, with George Mallory, the noted mountaineer, serving as best man.
John Seward Johnson I, heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, married Diana Dill at St James's Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Seward Johnson I married Ruth Dill at St. James's Church in 1924. Ruth Dill was the sister of Diana Dill.
Flora Ogilvy's marriage to Timothy Vesterberg was blessed at St James's Church on September 10, 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: Flora Ogilvy, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, had her marriage to Timothy Vesterberg blessed at St. James's Church on September 10, 2021, thereby linking her to the British royal family.
Mary Beale, buried in 1699, is recognized as England's first professional female painter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mary Beale, interred in 1699, is recognized as one of England's pioneering professional women artists. Her memorial is situated within St. James's Church, acknowledging her significant contribution to the arts.
Sir Richard Croft, a physician, is memorialized for his role as obstetrician to Queen Victoria.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sir Richard Croft, a physician to the British Royal Family, served as the obstetrician to Princess Charlotte of Wales, not Queen Victoria. His memorial is located within the church.
William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, was commonly known as 'Old Q.' and is buried at the church.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, was commonly known as 'Old Q.' and his burial is recorded at St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
James Gillray, a famous portrait painter, is buried at St James's Church, Piccadilly.
Answer: False
Explanation: James Gillray was a highly regarded caricaturist, not primarily a portrait painter. His burial is recorded at St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Bartholomew Ruspini, an 18th-century surgeon-dentist, founded the Royal College of Surgeons.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bartholomew Ruspini, an 18th-century surgeon-dentist and philanthropist, is remembered for founding the Royal Masonic School for Girls, not the Royal College of Surgeons.
Benjamin Stillingfleet, a botanist, is noted as the first 'bluestocking'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Benjamin Stillingfleet was a botanist recognized as the first 'bluestocking,' highlighting his association with the intellectual Bluestocking movement.
Matthew Flinders, the explorer who circumnavigated Australia, was buried in the churchyard of St James's.
Answer: False
Explanation: Matthew Flinders, the explorer celebrated for circumnavigating Australia, had his remains discovered beneath Euston Station, having been interred in the detached burial ground of St. James's Church, not its churchyard.
Lord George Gordon, associated with the Gordon Riots, is buried in the detached burial ground.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lord George Gordon, a politician associated with the Gordon Riots, is interred in the detached burial ground of St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Bill Richmond, a famous painter, is buried in the detached burial ground of St James's Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bill Richmond was a notable boxer, not a painter. He is interred in the detached burial ground of St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Who is the current Rector of St James's Church, Piccadilly, having assumed the role in 2010?
Answer: Lucy Winkett
Explanation: Lucy Winkett holds the position of current Rector at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, having assumed this role in 2010.
Mary Beale, whose memorial is located within the church, is primarily recognized for which profession?
Answer: Professional woman artist
Explanation: Mary Beale, interred in 1699, is recognized as one of England's pioneering professional women artists. Her memorial is situated within St. James's Church, acknowledging her significant contribution to the arts.
Who was commonly known as 'Old Q.' and is buried at St James's Church, Piccadilly?
Answer: William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry
Explanation: William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, was commonly known as 'Old Q.'. His burial is recorded at St. James's Church, Piccadilly.
Bartholomew Ruspini, whose memorial is in the church, is noted for founding which philanthropic institution?
Answer: The Royal Masonic School for Girls
Explanation: Bartholomew Ruspini, an 18th-century surgeon-dentist and philanthropist, is remembered for founding the Royal Masonic School for Girls. His memorial is situated in St. James's Church.
During the 1960s and 1970s, St James's Church experienced growth in its congregation due to increased local residents.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the 1960s and 1970s, St. James's Church, mirroring trends in many central London churches, experienced a decline in congregation and overall activity, attributed partly to a reduction in local residents and the increasing commercialization of the vicinity.
In 1980, the bishop instructed the new rector Donald Reeves to close the church if necessary.
Answer: False
Explanation: The bishop's instruction to Donald Reeves upon his appointment as rector in 1980 was reportedly, 'I don't mind what you do, just keep it open,' indicating a need for revitalization rather than an instruction to close.
The current community at St James's identifies primarily as a congregation with a focus on social outreach.
Answer: False
Explanation: The community at St. James's prefers identification as a 'community' over a 'congregation,' with the Eucharist serving as its principal focus, rather than solely social outreach.
The St James's community has actively supported the ordination of women and advocated for asylum seekers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The community at St. James's actively champions progressive causes, including the ordination of women to all ecclesiastical orders and advocacy for the equitable treatment of asylum seekers and impoverished individuals.
In 2023, St James's Church faced criticism for organizing a traditional religious festival.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2023, St. James's Church hosted a drag show, an event that generated controversy and drew criticism, rather than a traditional religious festival.
St James's Church was the first church to present a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024, winning a gold award.
Answer: True
Explanation: In May 2024, St. James's Church achieved a historical milestone by being the inaugural church to present a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, receiving a gold award for its design.
Concerts featuring popular contemporary musicians are regularly hosted at St James's Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, concerts are regularly convened at St. James's Church, Piccadilly, featuring performances by a diverse array of popular contemporary musicians.
The contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth organized events in the church nave between 2009 and 2010.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hauser & Wirth organized a series of outdoor sculpture exhibitions in Southwood Garden, not events in the church nave, between 2009 and 2010.
The 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration featured an art installation protesting the Israeli West Bank barrier.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration featured an art installation protesting the Israeli West Bank barrier, comprising a substantial replica section of the barrier.
Murals commemorating Ottobah Cugoano were unveiled in September 2023, representing the church's first permanent artwork dedicated to him.
Answer: True
Explanation: In September 2023, St. James's Church unveiled murals by Che Lovelace commemorating the abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano, marking the church's inaugural permanent commissioned artwork dedicated to him.
Which of the following challenges did St. James's Church encounter during the 1960s and 1970s?
Answer: A decline in congregation and activity.
Explanation: During the 1960s and 1970s, St. James's Church, mirroring trends in many central London churches, experienced a decline in congregation and overall activity, attributed partly to a reduction in local residents and the increasing commercialization of the vicinity.
What instruction did the bishop give Donald Reeves upon his appointment as rector in 1980?
Answer: 'I don't mind what you do, just keep it open.'
Explanation: Upon being offered the rectorship in 1980, Donald Reeves reportedly received the bishop's directive: 'I don't mind what you do, just keep it open.' This instruction highlighted the church's urgent need for revitalization.
How does the current community at St James's prefer to identify itself?
Answer: As a community.
Explanation: The community at St. James's prefers identification as a 'community' over a 'congregation,' with the Eucharist serving as its principal focus and the primary Christian sacrament.
Which of these progressive causes has the St James's community actively supported?
Answer: The ordination of women to all church orders.
Explanation: The community at St. James's actively champions progressive causes, including the ordination of women to all ecclesiastical orders and advocacy for the equitable treatment of asylum seekers and impoverished individuals, guided by a philosophy of radical welcome derived from the Gospels.
What event organized by St James's Church in 2023 generated significant controversy?
Answer: A drag show.
Explanation: In 2023, St. James's Church hosted a drag show, an event that generated controversy and drew criticism from certain quarters who considered it inappropriate, thereby initiating public discourse regarding the church's programming decisions.
What notable distinction did St. James's Church achieve at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024?
Answer: It was the first church to present a show garden.
Explanation: In May 2024, St. James's Church achieved a historical milestone by being the inaugural church to present a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, receiving a gold award for its design.
Which of the following contemporary musicians has performed a concert at St. James's Church, Piccadilly?
Answer: R.E.M.
Explanation: Notable musicians such as John Grant, Tokio Myers, Victoria Canal, R.E.M., Laura Marling, Penn Masala, and Devin Townsend have performed concerts at the church, underscoring the venue's appeal to a wide spectrum of musical artists.
What specific artistic initiative did the gallery Hauser & Wirth organize in Southwood Garden between 2009 and 2010?
Answer: Outdoor sculpture exhibitions.
Explanation: Hauser & Wirth, a prominent contemporary art gallery, curated a series of outdoor sculpture exhibitions in Southwood Garden, situated within the church grounds, from 2009 to 2010. The inaugural exhibition showcased works by the Swiss sculptor Hans Josephsohn.
The 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration featured an art installation protesting the Israeli West Bank barrier, created by which group of artists?
Answer: Justin Butcher, Geof Thompson, and Dean Willars
Explanation: The 'Bethlehem Unwrapped' demonstration featured an art installation protesting the Israeli West Bank barrier, conceived by artists Justin Butcher, Geof Thompson, and Dean Willars.
What was the conceptual nature of Jesse Darling's installation 'Miserere' in October 2022?
Answer: A choir or congregation.
Explanation: In October 2022, Turner Prize-nominated artist Jesse Darling installed 'Miserere' within the church. This significant new work was conceptualized to represent a choir or congregation.
The detached burial ground for St James's Church was located in Westminster.
Answer: False
Explanation: A separate burial ground for St. James's Church was established in Camden Town, not Westminster, and was utilized for interments from 1790 until 1853.
The Saint James, Westminster Improvement Act 1789 authorized the creation of a detached burial ground and chapel.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Saint James, Westminster Improvement Act 1789 (29 Geo. 3. c. 47) authorized the establishment of an additional burial ground for the parish and the construction of an adjacent chapel.
The chapel of ease associated with the detached burial ground was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
Answer: False
Explanation: The chapel of ease, constructed in conjunction with the detached burial ground, was designed by Thomas Hardwick, not Sir Christopher Wren.
The High Speed 2 (HS2) project led to the excavation of approximately 40,000 burials from St James's Gardens.
Answer: True
Explanation: The High Speed 2 (HS2) project necessitated the closure of St. James's Gardens and led to the excavation of approximately 40,000 burials by archaeologists between 2018 and 2020.
Where was the detached burial ground for St James's Church, Piccadilly, located?
Answer: In Camden Town.
Explanation: A separate burial ground for St. James's Church was established in Camden Town, utilized for interments from 1790 until 1853.
What significant infrastructure project necessitated the closure of St. James's Gardens and led to the excavation of numerous burials?
Answer: The High Speed 2 (HS2) project.
Explanation: The High Speed 2 (HS2) project necessitated the closure of St. James's Gardens in 2017 for the expansion of Euston Station. Archaeologists involved with HS2 excavated approximately 40,000 burials from the site between 2018 and 2020.
The remains of which renowned explorer, celebrated for circumnavigating Australia, were discovered beneath Euston Station?
Answer: Matthew Flinders
Explanation: Matthew Flinders, a naval officer and explorer celebrated for circumnavigating Australia and naming the Bass Strait, had his remains discovered in 2019 beneath Euston Station, having been interred in the detached burial ground of St. James's Church.
St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is also identified as St. James's Church, Westminster.
Answer: True
Explanation: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is indeed also known by the designation St. James's Church, Westminster, reflecting its location within the historic city of Westminster.
The official website for St James's Church, Piccadilly, is www.stjamespiccadilly.org.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official website for St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is accessible at www.sjp.org.uk, not www.stjamespiccadilly.org.
St. James's Church, Piccadilly, holds the heritage designation of a Grade II listed building.
Answer: False
Explanation: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is designated a Grade I listed building, signifying its status as a structure of exceptional architectural and historical significance, not Grade II.
What is the official heritage designation of St. James's Church, Piccadilly, signifying its national architectural and historical importance?
Answer: Grade I listed building
Explanation: St. James's Church, Piccadilly, is designated a Grade I listed building, a classification acknowledging its status as a structure of exceptional architectural and historical significance.