Our Lady of Ilfracombe Star of the Sea

Runacleave Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8AQ

Our Lady is the patron of this parish so favourably situated on the North Devon coast. The title "Star of the Sea" or Stella Mans is a customary dedication for any town with a marine connection: fishing, sailing, shipping or trading Many fishing communities throughout Europe have dedicated their churches to Our Lady Star of the Sea. Here also, in this part of Devon, the Blessed Virgin’s intercession is recognised and sought under a specific invocation, "Our Lady of Ilfracombe".

The nave of the Church was built by a Fr. M Bromley in 1874. Two side aisles were added in m 1929. The interior contains some heavily to embellished wood carvings - the work of a local Eirst craftsman. In the Sanctuary there is an ornately carved wooden reredos and separate altar depicting St. Edward, St. Swithin, St. Hugo, Our Lady of Ilfracombe, St. Boniface, St. Thomas & of St. Alban. Another finely carved reredos can be the seen in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, also a most unusual silver, nautical sanctuary lamp.

The altar on which the first Mass was offered in Ilfracombe after the Reformation is located in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Around the Church there is a prolific and rich display of memorial windows, amongst the unusual representations are those of St. Philip, St. Alexander and St. Rosa]ia.

The old pulpit has been resited and carefully remodelled into an altar honouring St. Joseph. A former rood screen is now the Shrine of the Holy Cross and beside it there is a picture of the tabernacle from the Parish of Herxheim (Our Lady Assumed), Ilfracombe’s twin town in Germany. Their tabernacle was constructed in 1520, in late Gothic style.

Clergy:

Rev Terry O'Donavan,
45 Lee Road, Lynton, EX35 6BS
(01598) 753255

Service Times:

Sundays: Mass 9 and 10.30am

Holydays: Mass 10.30am, 7.30pm

Confessions: Sat 10.30 to 11am

Gazette article on the 150th Anniversary

We are a growing live church family, with all ages represented, attempting to combine a contemporary feel through music and ministry within a recognisably Anglican format. Through it all, we place a strong emphasis on Bible teaching and the practical outworking of our Christian faith. Children and young people meet in their own groups during the Sunday morning service and refreshments are served afterwards. The evening service is quieter and more reflective in style. Midweek we meet in Life Groups where we aim to relate the Bible to our lives, encourage and support each other to share our faith in Jesus with others. It's a place where you are always welcome.

Denomination: Church of England

Contact address:
St James Vicarage
Kingsley Avenue
Ilfracombe
EX34 8ET

Tel:  01271 863519

Send Email:

Contact:  Jeremy Clark

Leaders:  Jeremy Clark  Vicar

Av. congregation:  100 adults
                              40 under 18s

Main Bible: NIV

Hymns & songs: Songs of Fellowship, The Source

Under 18s: The Net - Sunday groups
                  WoW - inter-church
                   Full-on - inter-church

Other activities & ministries:

Parents & Toddlers,

Homegroups,

Christianity Explored

Main meetings:
Sundays:
11.00 am
6.30 pm

Venue:

St Philip and St James Church
St James Place
Ilfracombe

Travel & Parking:

On-site parking

Special needs:

Hearing aid loop

Emmanuel Church
Revd Barbara Bennett (01271 862175)
(Methodist/United Reformed)
Wilder Road, Ilfracombe

e-mail : revbarbara@meva22.fsnet.co.uk

web site

Ilfracombe Christian Fellowship

High St, Ilfracombe, EX34 9NH
Tel: 01271 862426
e-mail info@cfchurch.co.uk

visit our web site

Brookdale Evangelical Church

Brookdale Avenue
Ilfracombe
Devon
EX34 8DB
Web Site

Free Grace Church

Lantern Centre
High Street
Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe Baptist Church

High Street
Ilfracombe
Devon
EX34

Ilfracombe URC

Wilder Road
Ilfracombe