St John's Church, Deritend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John’s Church, Deritend |
|
|---|---|
St John’s Church, Deritend (as rebuilt in 1735)
|
|
| 52°28′28.6″N 1°53′7.2″W / 52.474611°N 1.885333°W | |
| Location | Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St John the Baptist |
| Dedicated | 1380 |
| Architecture | |
| Demolished | 1947 |
St John's Church in Deritend, Birmingham, was an important church that belonged to the Church of England. It stood for many years, from 1735 until it was taken down in 1947.
Contents
History of St John's Church
Building the First Church
People in Deritend built their first church way back in 1380. Before that, they had to walk three miles to Aston Parish Church. It was a long trip, so they were happy to have their own chapel closer to home.
Famous Worshipper: John Rogers
A very important person, John Rogers, used to worship here. He was the first English Protestant to be killed for his beliefs during the time of Queen Mary I. He is known as a martyr.
Rebuilding and Demolition
The church building you see in old pictures was rebuilt in 1735. Later, in 1762, a tall tower was added to it. In 1939, St John's Church joined with St Basil's Church, Deritend. St Basil's then became the main church for both areas. St John's Church was eventually taken down in 1947.
A special stone cross, called a calvary, was put up at St John's to remember those who fought in the First World War. When the church was demolished, this memorial was moved to St Gabriel's Church, Weoley Castle.
Church Bells
The Original Bells
In 1776, a bell maker named Robert Wells from Aldbourne, Wiltshire made eight bells for St John's Church. These bells were very old and special.
Where the Bells Went Next
Later, these bells were taken down and melted to make new ones. These new bells were first put in the Bishop Latimer Memorial Church, Winson Green. Then, in 1972, they were moved again to St John's Church in Perry Barr.
The Church Organ
In 1906, St John's Church got a new organ. This organ was actually quite old, dating back to 1822, and it came from St Martin in the Bull Ring church. Walter James Bird was the person who installed it in St John's.
