St John's Church, Watford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John the Apostle & Evangelist, Watford |
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St John's Church, Watford
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| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic |
| Website | www.saintjohnswatford.org.uk |
| History | |
| Dedication | St John the Apostle |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St John the Apostle & Evangelist |
| Deanery | Watford |
| Archdeaconry | St Albans |
| Diocese | St Albans |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St John the Apostle and Evangelist is a special church in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is part of the Church of England. This church has always been known for its 'Anglo-Catholic' style of worship. This means it has some traditions similar to the Roman Catholic Church, but it is still part of the Church of England.
Contents
History of St John's Church
St John's Church in Watford started in 1873. Before that, the older St Mary's Church was being repaired. During these repairs, a temporary church made of tin was put up.
When St Mary's Church reopened, the tin church was moved. It was rebuilt on land given to the church on what is now Sutton Road. St John's Church officially began on November 23, 1873.
Building the Permanent Church
The temporary tin church could hold 450 people. More and more people started to attend services there. It was seen as a very 'High Church' for its time. This meant it had more traditional worship styles.
However, the tin roof was not waterproof! When it rained, it was very clear inside the church. So, people decided to build a permanent church. They worked hard to raise money for the new building. Many people gave generous donations. More land was also given for the church.
Plans for the new church were drawn up and approved. The first stone was laid on July 17, 1891. Two years later, on July 19, 1893, the Bishop of St Albans officially opened the beautiful new building. It cost £11,000 to build, which was a huge amount of money back then. In May 1904, St John's became a parish church on its own.
The church was designed by an architect named Eley Emlyn White. Since 1983, it has been a Grade II Listed Building. This means it is an important historical building.
Church Restoration Work
Over the years, parts of the church have been repaired and cleaned. In 1961, the front parts of the church, called the chancel and sanctuary, were restored. The main area where people sit, called the nave, was cleaned and redecorated in memory of the first vicar, Canon James, who died in 1966.
In 1973, for the church's 100th birthday, the stone on the outside of the church was cleaned and repaired.
Inside St John's Church
St John's Church has a wonderful pipe organ. It was built in 1911 by a company from London called J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd. The beautiful screen that separates the main part of the church from the altar, called the rood screen, was designed by Sir John Ninian Comper.
Over the years, the church has received many other lovely gifts. These include silver items, special clothes for the priests (vestments and copes), and pictures showing the Stations of the Cross. There are also figures for a Christmas crib, a statue of The Madonna, and beautiful glass and woodwork.
Regular Events and Services
The church has many services and community events happening regularly.
Church Services
- Parish Mass (Holy Communion) with Hymns: Every Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM.
- Holy Communion: Every Friday, at 10:00 AM.
Children's Services
- Messy Church: On the first Saturday of each month, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Breakfast Club and Sunday School: Every Sunday, from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM.
Social Gatherings
- Community Coffee Morning: Every Wednesday, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
- Coffee and Art: Every Friday, at 10:30 AM.
St John's Primary School
The church is working with the government and the Diocese of St Albans to open a new primary school. This school will be in the church's local area. The government officially approved the school in 2014. The school was planned to open for its first students in September 2016. You can find more information about the school on its Facebook page.
Vicars of St John's
Here is a list of the vicars who have led St John's Church:
- The Rev. J.H. White – 1873-1898
- The Rt. Rev. John M. Steward - 1898-1904
- The Rev. Canon R.H.L. James -1904-1954
- The Rev. Stanley J. Forrest - 1954-1961
- The Rev. R. Salter - 1962-1998
- The Rev. J. Cope - 1999-2007
- The Rev. E. Lewis - 2008-2010
- The Rev. D.E. Stevenson - 2011–present
