St James' URC in Buckhurst Hill closed on 6 April 2026 and the site is in the process of being sold.

​A heartfelt thank you to all who have worshipped at St James' over the years.

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Here's a little bit of history about the church...

In 1860, a small group of people, led by a Mr Gingell and his supporters, met as a church in a room at The Bald-Faced Stag, the old public house where the Toby Carvery now stands. In 1868 enough money had been raised to purchase the present site, call a pastor and build a school hall.

In 1873, the first church with the tower was built, and in 1896 Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church was formally constituted.

In 1953, recognising that the original buildings had a limited life, the present dual-purpose church/ hall was built.

In 1972, Buckhurst Hill Congregational Church became a United Reformed Church and in 1987, the name St James’ was adopted.

In 1987, part of the site was sold and the old church and classrooms were demolished for the construction of the retirement flats at St James’ Gate. The tower, however, was retained as a local landmark.
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In 2025, it was acknowledged that the congregation was now too small to be an effective Christian presence in Buckhurst Hill and the decision was taken to close on Easter Day 2026. Members were sent on their way with a scallop shell, the symbol of St James, to speed them on their continuing Christian journey.  

St James' URC is delighted to be able to welcome you to the following services this Easter:

Good Friday, 29 March 2024
10:30am

Easter Sunday, 31 March 2024
10:30am

Easter reminds us that life never ends and love never dies...

Please come along and enjoy an afternoon of music and song, with mulled  wine and mince pies.

• Date: Saturday 9 December 2023
• Time: 3:30pm
• Location: St James' URC, Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5NG

Here is an overview of who will be leading our services on specific dates at St James', Chingford and Woodford Green.

​The Reverend Ulrike Bell has received a call to serve a Lutheran church in her native Germany.

The churches of the Forest Group were very sad at her leaving and celebrated her six years of ministry with us at a farewell service on 18 July.

​At the service, tributes were paid to her special gifts in music, as well as her warm personality and leadership in worship, and her contributions to many other aspects of church life.

Any matters relating to any of the three churches in the Group should be referred to the relevant church secretaries.

Does anybody have an old camping bed sitting in their loft or shed that we can use for a Christmas display? With or without mattress; broken or in working order.

Please contact Gerald Lee at St James' URC in Buckhurst Hill on 020 8505 0300 or [email protected].

Thanks.