St John the Evangelist, Taunton

The Church of St John the Evangelist, Taunton is a Church of England parish church in Taunton, Somerset. It is a grade I listed building.[1]

St John's Church, Taunton

History

The Reverend Frederick Jeremiah Smith decided to build a new church in Taunton for the poor of the town.[2] From 1858 to 1863, St John's was built under the guidance of the eminent Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott.[1][3] Materials used included a variety of Somerset stones, including Hamstone, Bath stone and sandstone from Bishops Lydeard.[4] As the church was to be used by the poor, it did not charge pew rents: it was therefore the first Anglican church in Taunton to be free and accessible to all worshippers.[2] The church was consecrated on 13 April 1863.[1]

A "Father" Henry Willis organ was installed in 1864.[2]

Present day

The Church of St John the Evangelist is now part of a combined benefice with St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. It is within the Archdeaconry of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.[5][6]

The church was founded in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. In the 21st-century, it is an Inclusive Catholic church.[2][7]

References
  1. Historic England. "Church of St John the Evangelist (1059951)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  2. "Our Church & The Friends of St. Johns". St. John's Church,Taunton. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  3. "Taunton St John the Evangelist". Explore Churches. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  4. "St John The Evangelist - Taunton, Somerset". The Wessex Conservation Company. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  5. "St John the Evangelist - More information". A Church Near You. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  6. "Benefice Profile: St Mary Magdalene Taunton and St John the Evangelist Taunton" (pdf). Diocese of Bath and Wells. January 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  7. "St John the Evangelist, Taunton". Inclusive Church. 6 July 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2019.

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