the foundation stone of the new church, dedicated to st. james and built in cefn sandstone to designs by w. turner of wrexham, was laid on 30 september 1874. it was opened for worship in january 1876, although it was not consecrated until 27 april 1886. the church is now a grade ii listed building, being considered a good example of a late 19th-century church retaining many original features.