St John the Evangelist's Church, Sandiway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St John the Evangelist's Church, Sandiway |
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St John's Church from the south
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| OS grid reference | SJ 606,712 |
| Location | Sandiway, Cheshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | St John, Sandiway |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | St John the Evangelist |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 18 July 1986 |
| Architect(s) | John Douglas |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1902 |
| Completed | 1903 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Red sandstone Lakeland slate roof |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St. John the Evangelist Sandiway |
| Deanery | Middlewich |
| Archdeaconry | Chester |
| Diocese | Chester |
| Province | York |
St John the Evangelist's Church is a beautiful old church located in Sandiway, a village in Cheshire, England. It's an active Anglican church, meaning it's part of the Church of England. It serves the communities of Sandiway and Cuddington. This church is so special that it's officially protected as a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historical building.
Contents
Church History: Building St John's
A famous architect named John Douglas designed this church. It was built between 1902 and 1903. Interestingly, Douglas was born right in Sandiway village! He was very generous. He gave the land for the church and even paid for parts of it, like the chancel (the area around the altar) and the lych gate (a covered gateway to the churchyard).
The church's tower was added later. It was built to remember John Douglas after he passed away. The very first stone, called the foundation stone, was placed on April 12, 1902. The Earl of Mansfield laid this stone.
The church was ready for services on October 15, 1903. A special dedication and opening ceremony happened on October 26. Bishop Francis Jayne of Chester led this event. At first, St John's was a "chapel of ease." This meant it was a smaller church that helped a larger, main church (St Mary's Church, Weaverham) serve its community.
St John's was allowed to hold weddings starting May 22, 1906. Then, on March 29, 1935, Sandiway became its own official church parish.
Church Architecture: What It Looks Like
Outside the Church
The church is built from red sandstone, which is a strong, natural stone. Its roof is made of Lakeland slate, a type of rock that forms flat, durable tiles. The church has a main area called the nave (where people sit). It also has a taller chancel near the altar, a porch on the south side, and a vestry (a room for clergy). There's also a tall tower at the west end.
The church's style is mostly Gothic Revival, which means it looks like older medieval churches. The tower has three levels. It has strong diagonal supports called buttresses and a large window with three sections. Above this window, there are five thin, raised strips called pilasters that go all the way to the top. The top edge of the tower has a parapet that looks like battlements on a castle. On the south side of the tower, there's a door leading to a small, round stair turret.
Inside the Church
Many of the beautiful things inside the church were also designed by John Douglas. In the chancel, you'll find a stone sedilia. This is a set of seats, usually for the clergy. The choir stalls, where the choir sits, are carved with detailed designs called poppyheads and angels. The pulpit, where sermons are given, also has carved scenes.
You can also see a special ceramic plaque inside. It was made by the Della Robbia Pottery company, which was in Birkenhead. The church has lovely stained glass windows. Some of these were made in the early 1900s by a company called Lavers, Barraud and Westlake.
The church's organ was first built in 1903 by a company named Wadsworth. It was cleaned in 1917. Later, in 1939, it was rebuilt by Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool.
External Features: The Lych Gate
The lych gate at the entrance to the churchyard was also designed by John Douglas. It was built around 1902, at the same time as the church. It's made from sandstone and has a roof of York stone. Like the church, this lych gate is also a Grade II listed building, showing its historical importance.
See also
- Listed buildings in Cuddington, Cheshire
- List of new churches by John Douglas
