UPTON CHURCHES
Church of England, Diocese of Bath and Wells, Exmoor Deanery
Parish church of St James
Upton is a sparsely populated parish of scattered farmsteads. Following moorland enclosure in the mid 19th century, a new straight road, now the B3190, was constructed through the parish and new settlement grew along the road. A new parish church was built alongside the road for the convenience of residents. The church is very plain, consisting of nave, chancel, north porch and small bell turret with one bell. Three bells, dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, taken from the old church lie unused at the back of the nave.
Priest in Charge: The Revd Bernard Rumbold
Tel:(01398) 371438
Former church of St James
The tower of the former church of St James is a landmark for visitors to Haddon Hill and Wimbleball Lake. Apart from the lowest courses of the nave and chancel, it is all that remains of the 14th century church. The church was restored in 1796 but ceased to be used after 1867, when the new church was completed. The church was small and consisted of no more than nave, chancel, tower and south porch. The Decorated style panel-traceried arch between tower and nave is the most notable feature remaining. Occasionally outdoor services are held in the ruins.
Methodist Church: Plymouth Circuit
Methodist chapel
Bible Christians held meetings at Upton from 1821. A chapel was built in 1838 and a new one built in 1878. This stands by the road at the east end of the village. Above the doorway is the date and inscription 'Ebenezer'. The name is said to relate to 1Samuel 7:12, in which Samuel erects a stone after a particularly successful set-to with the Philistines - calling the stone Ebenezer, which means "Thus far hast thou helped me." It is a simple building with a stained memorial window to Mrs E Sutton.