St John's Church, Weymouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Church |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Church of England |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Active |
| Year consecrated | 1854 |
| Location | |
| Location | Weymouth, Dorset, England |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Talbot Bury |
| Architectural type | Church |
St John's Church is a large Church of England church. You can find it in Weymouth, Dorset, England. It was built between 1850 and 1854. The church was designed by an architect named Talbot Bury. It is now a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building.
History of St John's Church
St John's was built as a "chapel of ease." This means it was a smaller church for people who lived far from the main parish church of Radipole. Building it cost about £3,500. The plans for the new church were made by Talbot Bury from London. It was designed to hold up to 800 people.
The first stone of the church was laid on September 10, 1850. Many church leaders and people watched this special event. By the end of 1852, the outside of the church was mostly finished. Only the porch was left to build.
The church was officially opened on October 19, 1854. This special ceremony is called a "consecration." The Bishop of Salisbury, Walter Kerr Hamilton, led the event.
As more people moved to the area, the church became too small. By 1868, they decided to make it bigger. R. C. Bennett from Weymouth drew up the plans. T. Dodson of Weymouth did the building work. This expansion added space for 320 more people.
Architecture and Design
St John's Church is built using different types of stone. The main part is made of Ridgeway Hill stone. Special details use Bath and Caen stone.
The church has a tall tower and a spire on its southwest side. This spire reaches about 150 feet high. Inside, you can see some of the original features. There is a pulpit made of Caen stone. A pulpit is where the preacher stands.
At the east end of the church, there is a stone reredos and sedilia. A reredos is a decorated screen behind the altar. Sedilia are special seats for the clergy. The roof and the seats inside the church are made from stained and varnished wood.
