Point in View Chapel, Exmouth

Description

"A place of peace and promise".
Built in 1811 by cousins Mary and Ann Parminter, this independent chapel sits on the top of Point Hill above their unique octagonal home, A La Ronde, which is now a National Trust property. Set in a 3 acre meadow the building was originally almshouses for destitute women, and only became a place of public worship when 5 more modern almshouses were built. Point in View chapel is an unusual square building with the chapel situated under a small pyramid shaped spire clad in lead.

The original building also houses a small internal chapel and a tiny school room for up to 6 girls. Over the years the interior rooms have been slowly adapted to provide a vestry, kitchen and community room for the current congregation, though one of the original almshouses is still occupied.

The architecture is very unusual and reflects the style of A La Ronde, which in turn was heavily influenced by the eastern designs found by Mary and Jane on their extensive travels - the diamond and triangular windows are a particular feature, also replicated in the 19th century Manse close by.

Visitors to the chapel speak of its peace and tranquility and the glorious views of the Exe estuary and Devon coast from the chapel garden are magnificent.

Worship is offered every Sunday at 11am, and is usually led by the resident chaplain and members of the congregation. Services are warm, welcoming, fresh and inspiring and always attract a good congregation. Singing is sometimes accompanied by a unique small pipe organ, built by a previous chaplain in 1856 - but also by folk musicians playing acoustic instruments.

The meadow and gardens are beautifully cared for and there are benches, a Prayer Labyrinth, meadow paths, a recently planted fruit orchard, and a summer house which is open every day for visitors to use for quiet reflection.

With the growing numbers in recent years, the congregation - especially in the summer months - is too large for the chapel building and so a beautifully ergonomic stretched tent has been purchased providing a unique worship experience in the warmer months.

The Chapel is a Silver Eco Church, and an Inclusive Church. It also hosts events for refugee families, and a place of learning and listening for children with special education needs who meet one to one with their teachers.

Point in View is a member of the Quiet Gardens Network and hosts Days of Reflection, Quiet Garden afternoons, Worship in the meadow, Campfire Communion services, art workshops, and music and poetry performances throughout the summer.
(See the Facebook page: Point in View Chapel)

Opening times: The meadow and chapel are open from 9am until dusk every day of the year. Sunday worship is at 11am (Holy Communion on the 1st Sunday of the month). There are many other services at Christian Festivals and other special times.

Location

Summer Lane, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BD, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SY 00633 83574

By car: Coming from Exeter on the A376 turn left into Summer Lane which is signed for A La Ronde. Continue up the lane, Point in View is signed on the right.
By public transport: The A376 is a bus route.
Trains from Exeter stop at Lympstone and Exmouth.
On foot/cycle: The Exe Valley cycle way runs between Exeter and Exmouth.

Facilities

There is on-site parking, tarmac paths, a disabled access toilet, and disabled access via a ramp into the community room. A wheelchair is kept in the toilet. Laminated history guides and Mindfulness guides are found in the chapel porch
Find us on Facebook "Point in View Church" for more information.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Martin Nicholls

Mob: 07801 055995

Email:

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