In February 1869, Rev Charles William Morse, the newly appointed “Officiating Minister of Yankalilla”, called a meeting at Glenburn (now Delamere) “to consider all matters concerning the establishing a church service at this place”.

The foundation stone was laid on 19 September 1870. Although the church was not quite completed, the dedication was performed by Bishop Augustus Short on Thursday, 4 May 1871, in the presence of five hundred people, including the Governor, Sir James Fergusson.

St James caters to a rural congregation, with many local families having been in the district for several generations.

The church has several items of interest, including a font, which is reputedly over 300 years old. This font was donated to the church by St Peter’s, Britford, in the Diocese of Salisbury, England.

The hall and historic cemetery are adjacent to the church.