St. Pancras, Exeter
Description
A small church in the heart of Exeter; of Saxon origin, still used for services and especially for private prayer and quiet. It is a spiritual oasis in the wilderness, somewhere to breathe and take stock - and is an ancient place of worship, a still pool of quiet in the midst of restless city and busy shopping centre.
Regular times of prayer maintain and replenish the depth of the atmosphere. Focal points are provided by a simple table altar, the windows, wall decorations and displays, in particular an explanation of Christianity in recognition that many visitors will not be deeply familiar with the tradition or modern interpretations.
St Pancras Church is open on Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm. There is a service of Holy Communion at 12 noon on a Thursday, once a month, and a Communion service at 8 am using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer every 2nd Sunday. The church is also used regularly by The Orthodox Church and for bi-monthly Taize services. Further details can be found on the Parish of Central Exeter website (link below).
A visitor writes "This is a veritable Dr Who's Telephone box, seemingly much bigger on the inside than its small, ancient, beautiful but unpretentious exterior would suggest. This oasis in the midst of a 1960's shopping centre literally links the distant past with the more recent past and quietly points to the future."
Location
The Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3HP, United Kingdom
Directions
Grid reference: SX 919 927
St Pancras Church is in the middle of the Guildhall Shopping Centre in the heart of Exeter. It lies just north of the High Street behind the Guildhall.
By car: Guildhall and Mary Arches car parks.
By train: to St. David’s Station. Change to Exeter Central, or H Bus (every 15 minutes|) to the High Street.
Facilities
Displays in the main body of the church.
Access for the disabled is good with only one small step into the chancel, otherwise all on a level.
Toilets on first floor of the Guildhall shopping centre opposite the staircase. Numerous cafés and restaurants close by.
Hospitaller/Contact Person
Betsy Allen
Tel: 01392 257591
Email:
Further Information for Hospitaller/Contact Person
Hospitaller for St Pancras, Exeter