St John, Friern Barnet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John, Friern Barnet |
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St John's, Friern Barnet Road
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| Location | Friern Barnet Road, London N11 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Architect(s) | John Loughborough Pearson |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St John, Friern Barnet |
| Deanery | Central Barnet |
| Archdeaconry | Hampstead |
| Episcopal area | Edmonton |
| Diocese | London |
St John the Evangelist is an Anglican church located on Friern Barnet Road in north London. It is a beautiful example of the Gothic Revival Style, a popular building style from the Victorian era. The church was designed by the famous architect John Loughborough Pearson. Building started in 1890-91, and after Pearson's death, his son Frank Loughborough Pearson finished the work.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
How St John's Church Began
The church started in 1883 as a small, temporary building. It was called a "chapel-of-ease" to the main Friern Barnet parish church. This first building was made of iron and stood on the north side of Friern Barnet Road. People also called it the "school-church of St John" because classes from the Friern Barnet Grammar School were held there.
In 1890, a new iron building was put up on the other side of the road. The land for this new church was given by G. K. Smith. He and his son, Charles William Smith, also gave a lot of money to help build it.
Building the Church: A Long Journey
The first part of the new church, called the chancel, was officially blessed in October 1892. This was done by the Bishop of London, Frederick Temple. However, building the rest of the church took a long time because there wasn't enough money.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was built in two stages. It was finally finished and blessed in 1911. Edward Abley of Salisbury was the builder for the eastern section of the church.
Exploring the Church's Design
What Makes St John's Special?
St John the Evangelist church is built entirely from stone. It has a very detailed design, inspired by a chapel in Rhineland, Germany. The eastern part of the church was specifically designed to look like the German Cistercian church of Heisterbach. This was a special request from the vicar at the time, Reverend Frederick Hall. He had worked at St. Augustine's, Kilburn, another famous church designed by Pearson.
The church has several parts:
- An apsidal chancel (the area around the altar) with an ambulatory (a walkway).
- A south chapel.
- Two north vestries (rooms for clergy).
- An aisled and clerestoreyed nave (the main part where people sit).
- A western narthex or baptistery (an entrance area, often used for baptisms).
The church is built in an early Gothic style. It has vaulted ceilings throughout and was originally designed to seat 500 people. The nave was completed between 1899 and 1901. The west end was finished in 1911, but with a slightly different design than first planned. A tower and spire that were supposed to be built on the north-east side were never added.
Inside the Church: Art and Details
The pulpit, where the priest gives sermons, was added around 1920. The beautiful stained-glass windows were made by a company called Clayton and Bell.
- The east windows show the adoration of the lamb.
- The south windows picture angels, bishops, and St Paul preaching.
- The north windows show important Protestant figures.
The windows in the chancel also remember Reverend Prebendary Frederick Hall. He was the rector of Friern Barnet and asked for the church to be built. You can even see a picture of the architect, Pearson, holding a scroll with the church plans in one of the windows!
Important Recognition
The church has been given a special status called Grade II* by the English Heritage foundation. This means it is considered a building of great national importance and has more than special interest.
St John's Today: A Community Hub
The Church's Role Now
Today, St John the Evangelist serves as the main parish church for Friern Barnet. The old parish church, St James the Great, is now used by the local Greek Orthodox community.
St John's church has always had a strong connection to local education. There has been a St John's school in Friern Barnet since 1886. As of 2015, it is known as St John's CofE Primary School.
