The church you see now rose from wartime ruins with remarkable speed. After the old St James’ in St James’ Road was destroyed in the Exeter Blitz, a new site was chosen to serve the growing Stoke Hill estate. The Bishop of Exeter laid the foundation stone in May 1955, and the building was dedicated in October 1956; finishing touches followed in 1957. For the full story of earlier churches, fire-bombs and faithful rebuilding, head over to our History page.
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Architecture and atmosphere
Outside, St James’ is unmistakably mid-twentieth-century: warm brick walls, stone window surrounds and a modest bell tower whose lines nod to Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of St James. Step through the porch and the Spanish hints continue in clean, sun-catching arches. Natural light pours down the east-facing nave, giving a bright, open feel to a space that seats about 290 people.
Comfort and tech inside
Chairs, rather than fixed pews, let us re-shape the nave for concerts, children’s worship or candle-lit evenings. A modern sound system—two radio microphones, freestanding mics and an induction loop—makes every voice clear, and reliable heating keeps the space warm all year. The church has Wi-Fi and streams the 10 a.m. Eucharist live each Sunday.
Easy for everyone to reach
A level car park holds about twenty cars, with bays kept free on Sundays for anyone with limited mobility. Wheelchair users will find a portable ramp and even a parish wheelchair ready at the door, while large-print service sheets mean nobody has to struggle to follow along.
Gardens, hall and community spaces
Between the church and hall sits a small Garden of Remembrance—quiet, green and dotted with benches. Volunteers keep the wider grounds colourful through every season, so couples often choose the lawns for wedding photos. The neighbouring church hall, opened in the 1960s, adds a generous dance-floor, fully rated kitchen and its own enclosed garden. Today it buzzes with lunch clubs, Slimming World, youth groups and private parties.
Come and see
If you’d like to look round, hire the hall or talk about holding a baptism, wedding or concert here, our Parish Office is happy to help: office@stjamesexeter.org | 01392 420 407.
We hope you’ll find, as many visitors do, that this mid-century building is still doing what its planners intended—offering a bright, welcoming heart for worship and community life in north-east Exeter.