James Barcley was born on June 19, 1844, in Paisley, Scotland.

He was a Scottish clergyman who studied divinity at the University of Glasgow (M.A., 1865) and was called to St. Michael’s Church in Dumfries in 1870. After that, Rev. Barclay served in Canobie, Dumfries, and, in 1876, preached in Linlithgow. He was chosen as a colleague of Rev. McGregor at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh, where he became one of the most popular preachers in the city. Following this, St. Paul’s Church in Montreal, Quebec, invited Rev. Barclay to become its pastor. He accepted the call and was inducted as its minister on October 11, 1883. He remained as the minister of St. Paul's until 1910. His ministry in Montreal was highly successful, and he had a significant influence on the young men of the city, who flocked to his church, considering him as their friend. Rev. Barclay was known for his great mental qualities and independent thinking. He was not afraid to express the scientific and theological thoughts of his times. His sermons were carefully prepared and delivered with earnestness and force. He was a skilled reader and an impressive public speaker.

Rev. Barclay was also known for his love of outdoor activities and sports, excelling in cricket, golf, and curling. He had the honour of preaching before Queen Victoria on several occasions. The congregation of St. Paul’s Church was large and influential, and Rev. Barclay received a salary of $7,300.00, the highest paid to any minister in the Dominion. In 1892, he received an honorary doctorate (D.D.) from Glasgow University and in 1902, an honorary doctorate (LL.D.) from McGill University.

In 1873, he married Marion Simpson (1852–1942). He died on March 18, 1920, in Keswick, England and is buried in Edinburgh, Scotland.