The modern parish church of St James, or Ballyphillip Church, was built at a cost of less than £900 when Templecranny was dismantled in 1787. When completed St. James’ had a lofty spire but this was removed as dangerous in 1810, the same year the churchyard walls were put up. The church was repaired in 1836 with the aid of a grant of £343 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.