Single-nave church of St. James the Elder was erected during the construction of the city - in the years 1360-1370 .  A fire in 1386, which started in the neighboring malt house, destroyed 27 town houses, and did not spare the parish church .  In 1417 the Hussites action led to the final destruction of the church .  In the literature of the first half of the XV century mentioned the dilapidated church of St. James, which is desperately in need of renovation .  Unfortunately, the citizens do not have the means for its restoration, so he gradually destroyed .  Only in the 40-50-ies of the XV century the required amount has been found .  The church was repaired, a little expanded and decorated façade in the Gothic style .  It is in this church appears before us now .  Then it was added to the high tower, where there are two bells masterfully created with their names - James and Mary .  The bells were cast in the XVI and XVII centuries and survived .  To hear them jingle still going to citizens and tourists .

In the XVII century in baroque style was reconstructed crypt, sacristy and chapel. In 1737, the church joined a secret passage to a local lock. At the end of the XIX century, there emerged a new altar.

The temple frescoes created in the XIII century. They have not suffered during the devastating fire. There is also the tomb of Zachariáš of Hradec, after whom is named the main square of Telc. Closer to the door you can see the burial of local residents who were killed during the hostilities of the First World War.