St John's Wood Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John's Wood Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Lord's Roundabout, London NW8 7NE |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | www.stjohnswoodchurch.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedicated | 24 May 1814 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Hardwick |
| Style | Neo-classical |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | London |
St John's Wood Church is a special church in London, part of the Church of England. It's located in an area called St John's Wood.
This church is built in a beautiful classical style. It's considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade II*-listed site. You can find it on Lord's Roundabout, right between Lord's Cricket Ground and Regent's Park. These are both famous places in London.
Contents
The Story of St John's Wood Church
How the Church Began
St John's Wood Church started as a smaller 'chapel of ease'. This meant it was a convenient place for people to worship, helping out a bigger church nearby. It was built in 1814 by an architect named Thomas Hardwick. He was also working on the main St Marylebone Church at the same time.
From Burial Ground to Public Garden
The church used to have large grounds where people were buried. However, these burial grounds were closed in 1855. Later, in 1886, they were turned into a lovely public garden. This garden is now known as St. John's Wood Church Grounds. It's believed that about 50,000 people are buried there. Famous people like the artist John Sell Cotman and the prophetess Joanna Southcott are among them.
Becoming a Parish Church
In 1898, the building became a chapel for Christ Church, Marylebone. It slowly became more important for managing the local church area. After World War II, another church nearby was damaged by bombs. Because of this, St John's Wood Church officially became its own parish church in 1952.
Famous Events at the Church
Besides regular services, the church has hosted many important events. In June 1953, it held the wedding of Peggy Cripps and Joe Appiah. In 1969, Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney had their marriage blessing there. The funeral of Ursula Vaughan Williams, a well-known composer's wife, also took place here in 2007.
Modern Improvements and Art
In the 1970s, a new Church Hall complex was built. To celebrate its completion, a statue of John the Baptist was put up. He is the church's patron saint. This statue was created by the artist Hans Feibusch. The inside of the church was also updated in 1991. An architect named Michael Reardon oversaw this work. During this time, the floor in the main worship area was relaid, and a new central altar was added.
St John's Wood Church Today
Community and Worship
Today, St John's Wood Church has a lively community. Around 130 to 150 people attend services regularly. The church focuses on offering thoughtful and intelligent sermons and lessons. It also has a strong tradition of music. A group of professional singers leads the main Sunday service. There's also an amateur Chamber Choir made up of church members. They sing a special evening service once a month. The church has a large organ with 52 different sounds. The building is open every day from morning to late afternoon. It offers a quiet place for prayer and reflection.
Working with Other Faiths
St John's Wood Church works closely with other local churches. Together, they hold a monthly service where they write letters for Amnesty International. This organization works to protect human rights. The church's leaders also meet with people from the nearby Liberal Jewish Synagogue and London Central Mosque. They have discussions about religious texts, which helps them understand each other better.
Activities in the Church Hall
The Church Hall complex is very busy. During school terms, St John's Wood Pre-Preparatory School uses it during the day. A local youth club also meets in the church's basement on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The hall is sometimes rented out for meetings by local residents' groups. Charities like ARC UK also use the space.
Church Leaders Over Time
Leaders of St John's Wood Chapel
- Okey Belfour, 1814–1818
- Gilbert Parke, 1818–1825
- Thomas Wharton, 1825–1855
- Henry Sandham, 1855–1895
- William Ferrar, 1896–1899
- James Beaumont, 1900–1915
- Edward Adams, 1915–1925
- Brierley Kay, 1925–1940
- Oswin Gibbs-Smith, 1941–1947
- Noel Perry-Gore, 1947–1952
Vicars of St John's Wood Church
- Noel Perry-Gore, 1952–1972
- Tim Raphael, 1973–1983
- John Slater, 1983–2001
- Anders Bergquist, 2002–present
See also
