Kawai studio grand piano, on permanent loan from one of the congregation. All three instruments are used in the church's liturgy. Annual blessing of the animals Since 1993 the church has celebrated an annual blessing of animals service for St Francis's Day organised by Lorraine Hawkes, one of the parish leaders. For some years the patron of the day has been John-Michael Howson OAM. Ministry to children The parish has had a significant ministry to children, beginning with a "free kindergarten" dating from as early as 1918 until the 1990s. St James supported the 2nd East St Kilda scout troop in the years following the Great War. Since 2002 it has been host to the St Kilda Steiner Pre-School which aims that "children (will) take part in a mixed-age, play-based curriculum in a nurturing environment where learning is by imitation rather than direction". Childcare A decision by the wardens resulted in St James' House being let to a childcare organisation, Little Patch Early Learning Centre. This is in keeping with the tradition of service to the community by the parish and is hoped will lead to increased financial viability of the parish. See also List of Anglo-Catholic churches Oratory of the Good Shepherd References Anglo-Catholic churches in Australia James, St Kilda Churches completed in 1914 1914 establishments in Australia St Kilda East, Victoria Buildings and structures in the City of Glen Eira