St John, Friern Barnet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John, Friern Barnet |
|
|---|---|
St John's, Friern Barnet Road
|
|
| 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 a beautiful Anglican church located on Friern Barnet Road in north London. It is a great example of the Gothic Revival Style. This style was popular in Victorian times. The church was designed by the famous architect John Loughborough Pearson. Building started in 1890-91. After Pearson passed away, his son, Frank Loughborough Pearson, finished the work.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
How St John's Church Began
The church started in 1883 as a small chapel. It was a temporary building made of iron. This first building was on the north side of Friern Barnet Road. It was also used for classes by the Friern Barnet Grammar School. Because of this, it was known as the "school-church of St John."
In 1890, a new iron building replaced the old one. This new church was built on the opposite side of the road. The land for the 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: Step by Step
The first part of the church, called the chancel, was officially opened in October 1892. This was done by the Bishop of London, Frederick Temple. However, building the rest of the church took a long time. This was because there wasn't enough money.
The main part of the church, the nave, was built in two stages. It was finally completed and officially opened in 1911. Edward Abley of Salisbury was the builder for the eastern part of the church.
The Church's Amazing Architecture
Design and Style of St John's
St John's Church is built entirely of stone. It has a very detailed design. The church's style was inspired by a chapel in Rhineland, Germany. The eastern part of the church was specifically modeled after the German Cistercian church of Heisterbach. This was a special request from the vicar, Reverend Frederick Hall. He had worked at St. Augustine's, Kilburn, another famous church designed by Pearson.
The church has several important parts. These include the apsidal chancel (the area around the altar) with an ambulatory (a walkway). It also has a south chapel and two north vestries (rooms for clergy). The main area where people sit is called the nave. It has aisles and a clerestory (upper windows). At the west end, there is a narthex or baptistery (an entrance area often used for baptisms).
Inside the Church: Features and Art
The church is vaulted throughout, meaning it has arched ceilings. When it was first built, it could seat 500 people. The nave was finished between 1899 and 1901. The very front part of the church was completed in 1911, but with a slightly different design than planned. A tall tower and spire that were planned for the north-east side were never built.
The pulpit, where sermons are given, was added around 1920. The beautiful stained-glass windows were made by a company called Clayton and Bell. The windows at the east end show the adoration of the lamb. The south windows picture angels, bishops, and St Paul preaching. The north windows show important Protestant figures. The chancel windows also remember Reverend Prebendary Frederick Hall. He was the rector who asked for the church to be built. You can even see a picture of the architect, Pearson, holding the church plans in one of these windows!
The church has been given a Grade II* architectural status by English Heritage. This means it is considered a very important building in the country.
St John's Church Today
Serving the Community
Today, St John the Evangelist is 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 strong ties 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. The church continues to be an important part of the community.
Images for kids
-
St John's, Friern Barnet Road
