Okehampton Chapel of St James
Serving the townsfolk of Okehampton and outlying areas
Hello and welcome to St James’ Chapel
From The Northmoor Team Ministry
This church stands in the heart of the community of Okehampton, right in the centre of town, between the two rivers. We make sure it’s open every day – usually from around 8am until around 6pm (times may vary slightly) – and many people who pop in find it a place of peace to pause from the rush of life.
There is also a Prayer Tree – feel free to write your prayers and intentions on a ‘leaf’. Each evening the prayers left by visitors are included in the prayer service. The chapel has an interesting history, too, which you can read about inside.
Prayer services are led in the chapel twice daily (8.30am and 5pm) by either a member of the clergy or a lay person. We often have people dropping in for all or part of the service. You are very welcome to join in with the words, but equally welcome to sit quietly and let it wash over you.
St James’ Chapel also has a regular congregation who come on a Thursday morning for Holy Communion at 10am. You do not have to book – just turn up and, again, join in with as much or as little as you wish. You will receive a warm welcome.
St James’ is open to all – it is non-denominational, a mayoral chapel belonging to the people. There is more I could say about this chapel, which is dear to my heart, but also dear to the heart of the townsfolk of Okehampton.
Do visit, and may you be blessed with the assurance of God’s peace here.
A warm welcome from Rev Claire Reynolds.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all
Regular Church Services at Okehampton Chapel of St James
Morning Prayer
Evening Prayer
Holy Communion Book of Common Parayer
The chapel is also used for weddings and funerals.
On Good Friday Christians from across Okehampton’s churches gather at the chapel for a service of reflection. It is a busy service.
Church Services Calendar & other Church events
For up to date services and events please visit A Church Near You website or view the Grapevine newsletter on this website.
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls.
Contact the Okehampton St James’ Chapel team
Safeguarding: Alex Just
All safeguarding enquiries are treated with absolute privacy and discretion.
Help for Visitors
Opening Times, Accessibility, Worship, & MUSIC & ABOUT THE BUILDING
Regular opening times
Monday to Sunday: 8am until 6pm*
*Opening and closing times may occasionally vary.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
Removable ramp to allow access to the church
Assistance dogs welcome
No toilet facilities or disabled toilet
No hearing induction loop
We do not have a Church car park
Miscellaneous help for visitors
Church Guidebook
About the building
Find the Church & more information
St James’ Chapel Okehampton
1 St James St
Okehampton
Devon EX20 1DW
Church hall hire
Events & activites
Address
All Saints Church Hall
4 Market St
Okehampton
Devon EX20 1HN
Hall details
Weekday Hire: £9 per hour to include setting up and clearing away.
Weekend Hire: £10 per hour as above. No part hours.
Available to hire from 8am to 11 pm by arrangement subject to existing regular bookings.
The hall is available to hire by individuals, organisations, community or charity groups for, coffee mornings, AGM’s, baby and toddler/ childrens’ groups/classes, exercise classes, dance classes, wellbeing classes, social fundraising events, private parties (no bouncy castles allowed). The hall may not be hired by commercial organisations for the sole purpose of commercial selling or buying.
We have a Spacious kitchen
Th kitchen is included in the hire charge with hot water heaters for coffee/tea making and a separate water heater for washing up, two ovens a hob, fridge, crockery, cutlery for a large number, first aid kit.
A large selection of large and smaller collapsible tables and 100 chairs
Ambient heating provided by convector heaters on a timer
Additional heating when required by coin operated overhead heaters.
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly access
Ramped Entrance
There is front double door access to the building and double doors to access the main hall.
Assistance dogs only are welcome
Separate female and male toilets
Free Wifi code on display
We have a small car park for 2/3 cars on the private drive
No hearing induction loop
Okehampton St James’ Chapel history
St James’ Chapel is a Chapel of Ease, situated in the heart of Okehampton town. It is an ecumenical chapel and belongs to the town of Okehampton. It was restored in 1862 by Ashworth and is built of Medieval granite.
There is Tudor and 18th century woodwork with a reader’s desk and pulpit, the latter dated 1662.
There are two wooden plaques beside the altar with the ten commandments written upon them.
The clock on the tower has been restored recently and the interior decorated.
Safeguarding Policy
We take the safety of everybody in these parishes very seriously.
If you or someone you know is being abused, is at risk of being abused, or presents a risk to others, or if you have concerns but are not sure, our Safeguarding Advisor is here to give advice and support in confidence.
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Alex Just, Email me.
You can also contact the Diocese of Exeter Safeguarding Team on safeguardingenquiry@exeter.anglican.org or phone 01392 294929.
If there is an immediate risk of harm to you or anyone else please call 999 and report your concern to the police. Our Parish Safeguarding Officer Alex Just can support you in this.
Our full safeguarding policy is explained here on this page, along with information about a range of local and national organisations that can help.
We have available to buy at a cost of £4, a fully illustrated guide book detailing the history of All Saints Church and St James’ Chapel; written by Alan Endacott, a local historian and stained glass expert. Copies are available in All Saints Church and St James Chapel; alternatively copies can be obtained from the Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton.