St Ia
St Ia is one of the beautiful Cornish churches that are part of the Anglican Diocese of Truro, England (Church of England, C of E). It is dedicated to the Celtic saint St. Ia, and also to St. Andrew, patron saint of Fishermen and St Peter, the Rock. The church is built of Cornish granite, almost on the harbourside of the picturesque seaside town of St. Ives. Its tower is one of the tallest of the Cornish churches, standing over eighty feet high and the most visible landmark in the town.
St Ia was consecrated in 1434, and many Christians have worshipped in the building over the centuries. It was built as a place within which to worship Jesus and that is what still happens there today - Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever - not much in life is unchanging these days but, here at St. Ia we think that the truth about Jesus is a solid rock on which to build.
Choir Stalls
The choir stalls have 15th century panels which may have been part of the original rood screen. The man in the cocked hat, the woman with her coif and the blacksmith’s tools are said to be the work of Ralph Clies, the village blacksmith.
The rood screen at the entrance to the choir was destroyed by the Puritans in 1647. Access was by the small door high in the wall and the turret staircase previously called the Organ Tower (now closed) in the Lady Chapel.
Rood Beam
The rood, or crucifix, was placed over the screen which divided the chancel from the nave. The rood beam dates from 1932: Mary and St. John stand alongside our crucified Lord.
The three-manual Organ by Hele and Company of Plymouth was given in 1907 was restored by Lance Foy of Truro (with David Briggs as consultant) in 1993. It is encased in fumed oak, carved by Pinwells of Plymouth. Look for the small fish swimming in and out of the carving.
Wagon Roof
Look up to see the wagon roof which is beautifully carved with diagonal moulding, curved bosses and symbolic vine patterns. The painting and gilding of the woodwork (1962) highlight the workmanship.
The figures of apostles, angels and saints remind us that heaven and earth meet in this building. The wall plate of the chancel and sanctuary is embellished with painted and gilded figures of angels. Two are Seraphim, carrying wreaths, while the others, five on each side, carry shields, scrolls, and books.
Piers
The piers are not of granite as in most Cornish Churches but sand rock probably from across the bay at Godrevy. This easily worked material accounts for the attractive carving of the capitals. The piers lean outwards, perhaps caused by subsidence, the weight of the roof or, it was traditionally thought, to represent the sides of a boat.
The colourful east window was inserted in 1905 after the previous window glass was blown out when the dynamite works at Hayle suffered a massive explosion. The oldest memorial is a brass to a member of the local Trenwith family who died in 1463.
Bench Ends
The bench ends were restored in the 1940’s and are typical of 15th century Cornish carving with its deep cutting. In some instances one bench end has been made out of two. The Churchwarden’s bench-end was locally carved to match in 1948.
High Altar
The high altar reredos is of alabaster. The statue on the right of the crucifix portrays St Ia our patron saint, a missionary who came either from Ireland or Wales in the 5th or 6th Centuries and gave her name to the town. Legend says she sailed into St.Ives on a leaf, but this may simply symbolise the difficulties she had to overcome to pursue her vocation.
Madonna and Child
One of the highlights is a sculpture by the celebrated artist Barbara Hepworth in honour of her son Paul who died in 1953 while serving with the RAF. The sculpture is in the 16th-century Trenwith aisle, which now serves as a Lady Chapel.
St Ia's Choir
St Ia’s Church has a mixed-voice adult choir that sings every Sunday at the morning mass and at the major Christian Festivals throughout the year as well as various civic events. The choir is a friendly and dedicated group of singers whose repertoire ranges from plainsong to contemporary music. Rehearsal are on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 20:30 and new members prepared to share our commitment are always welcome.
The Garden
Based in the heart of St Ives, our cafe team seek to cultivate a Christian culture of hospitality within our two cafe spaces; The Garden and The Sanctuary across all twelve months of the year.
Our state of the art espresso machine, menu offerings, warm spaces and other community initiatives and events contribute towards a wider ministry and mission of the church whilst helping to keep the church open.
Click HERE to find out more about the cafe and our opening times.