St James' URC closed on 6 April 2026

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.