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St John the Evangelist's Church
St John's Church, Penge (2017).jpg
51°25′00″N 0°03′18″W / 51.4167°N 0.0550°W / 51.4167; -0.0550
Location 2 St John's Road, Penge, London SE20 7EQ
Country United Kingdom
Denomination Church of England
Churchmanship Conservative evangelical
Website www.penge-anglicans.org
Architecture
Architect(s) Edwin Nash, J. N. Round
Style Victorian architecture, Gothic Revival architecture
Years built 1850-1866
Administration
Parish Penge
Deanery Penge
Archdeaconry Bromley and Bexley
Diocese Rochester

Saint John the Evangelist's Church is a historic Church of England church located in Penge, which is now part of the London Borough of Bromley. It belongs to the Diocese of Rochester. When the church was first built, Penge was in Surrey.

The church stands on Penge High Street. Its construction began in 1847. The original design was created by architects Edwin Nash and J. N. Round. Later, in 1861, Edwin Nash added more parts to the church, including gabled aisles. The transepts, which are parts of the church that stick out on the sides, were added in 1866.

St John's Church, Penge (2017)
St John the Evangelist's Church in Penge.

What Does the Church Look Like?

Architectural Style and Materials

The church is built from a type of stone called rock-faced ragstone. This means the stone has a rough, natural look. It features a tall tower on the west side with a stone broach spire, which is a pyramid-shaped top.

The windows have a special design called Geometrical tracery. This style uses geometric shapes in the window patterns. The famous Pevsner Buildings of England guide describes these designs as being done in Nash's unique way.

Inside the Church

One of the most impressive features inside the church is its open timber roofs. These roofs are made of wood and are visible from below. The roofs in the transepts are especially striking. They have eight beams that meet in the middle, creating a beautiful and complex pattern.

Who Helped Build the Church?

The early funding for the church came from a man named John Dudin Brown. He was a wharfinger, which means he managed a wharf, a place where ships load and unload goods on the River Thames. His support was very important for the church's construction.

Music at the Church

From 1872 to 1903, a talented musician named Arthur Carnall (1852–1904) worked at the church. He was the organist and choir master. This means he played the organ during services and led the church choir. He was also a composer, writing his own music.

Historic Recognition

St John the Evangelist's Church is considered an important historical building. Since 1990, it has been a Grade II listed building. This means it is recognized for its special architectural or historic interest and is protected.

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