Busbridge Church Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids St John the Baptist, Busbridge
The church viewed from the west
51°10′38.0″N 0°36′6.4″W / 51.177222°N 0.601778°W / 51.177222; -0.601778
Location	Brighton Road, Busbridge, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XA
Country	England
Denomination	Church of England
History
Founded	1867
Founder(s)	Mr and Mrs John Ramsden of Busbridge Hall
Dedicated	1867
Architecture
Architect(s)	George Gilbert Scott
Style	Gothic Revival
Years built	1865-1867
Administration
Parish	Busbridge
Deanery	Godalming
Archdeaconry	Surrey
Episcopal area	Guildford (Bishop of Guildford)
Diocese	Guildford

Busbridge Church, also known as St John the Baptist Church, is an evangelical Anglican Church located in Busbridge, near Godalming, England. It's a place where people come together to worship and learn. This church is part of a bigger group with Hambledon Church in the village of Hambledon, Surrey.

Together, Busbridge and Hambledon Church offer many different Sunday services. They have six different congregations that range from traditional to modern styles. Every Sunday, Busbridge Church and Hambledon Church also run special groups for over 200 young people and children.

A Look Back: Busbridge Church's Story
Remembering Heroes: Church Memorials
Sunday Services at Busbridge Church
Gallery
See also

A Look Back: Busbridge Church's Story

Busbridge Church was started by a couple named John and Emma Ramsden. They lived at Busbridge Hall. The church was built between 1865 and 1867. It was officially opened in 1867.

A famous architect named George Gilbert Scott designed the church. Inside, there's a special screen made of wrought-iron near the front of the church. This screen was designed by Edwin Lutyens. He also designed the church's memorial for the First World War.

The church has beautiful stained glass windows. Some of these were made by a company called Morris & Co., including designs by Edward Burne-Jones. Later windows were created by Archibald Keightley Nicholson. Busbridge Church is considered a very important building. It is a Grade II* listed building, which means it has special historical or architectural importance.

Main WWI memorial window by Archibald Keightley Nicholson. The left-hand pane shows Saint Martin above Amiens Cathedral. The right-hand pane shows Saint Nicholas above Scapa Flow and battleships of the Grand Fleet

Remembering Heroes: Church Memorials

The churchyard at Busbridge has several important memorials. These were designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. He also designed a house nearby called Munstead Wood for his friend, the garden designer Gertrude Jekyll.

Lutyens designed the Busbridge War Memorial. This memorial is also a Grade II* listed building. It was officially opened in 1922. You can find it at the end of the churchyard, where Brighton Road and Hambledon Road meet. This memorial is one of many Lutyens designed after the First World War. It's one of fifteen "War Crosses" he created, which all look similar. Inside the church, there's a plaque listing the names of the villagers who died in the war.

Lutyens also designed other memorials in the churchyard. These include memorials for Julia Jekyll (Gertrude's mother), Francis McLaren, and a joint memorial for Sir Herbert Jekyll (Gertrude's brother) and his wife, Dame Agnes Jekyll. He also designed a memorial for Gertrude Jekyll herself.

Sunday Services at Busbridge Church

Busbridge Church offers different services on Sundays to suit various preferences.

Morning Worship: Contemporary Service

This service starts at 9:30 AM. The music is led by a band, and modern media is often used. Holy Communion, a special church ceremony, is held on the third Sunday of each month during this service.

Morning Worship: Classic Service

The Classic congregation meets at 11:15 AM. This service follows a traditional guide called Common Worship. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. The music includes both traditional and modern hymns, often played on a church organ.

Evening Worship: Informal Service

This service begins at 6:00 PM. It's a relaxed and informal evening service. There are longer periods of music and a calm atmosphere. Holy Communion is held on the fourth Sunday of every month during this service.