History
History of St John’s (1902-2024)
Introduction. John Douglas drew up the plans and oversaw the building or restoration of over 500 churches and other buildings but it was St John’s on which he lavished more attention and money than any other; for Sandiway was the village of his birth and his affection for the place resulted in a “John Douglas masterpiece”.
The Baptistry Everything in the Baptistry indicates its purpose: the stone font; the small stained-glass window showing Jesus baptised in the River Jordan; the West Window which has Faith Hope and Charity (or love), which were the three gifts said to be bestowed at Baptism and the ceramic Della Robia plaque showing Jesus with a group of children. The west window is by Gilbert P. Gammon in memory of Captain E. W. Park Yates, known as “Puffles” because of his round rosy cheeks. In 2022 the Baptistry was restored to its former glory, the old carpet was taken up to reveal the original floor tiles which were cleaned and sealed. When completed the baptistry was just as John Douglas would have left it and is used regularly for Baptisms.
The Nave Here John Douglas placed 24 Canadian ash pews. Maud Mainwaring, from Park Cottage, collected the money needed. The 150 kneelers took 15 years to make in the later 1900s. The oak pulpit and litany desk were given in 1904 by Captain “Willie” Higson of Oakmere Hall in memory of his father, John Higson. The pulpit was carved by Frederick G. Sewell from Chester. The pair of Pre-Raphaelite style windows on the west wall and that in the porch of Tobias and the Angel were made by London based Lavers and Westlake.
The Chancel St John’s organ was built in 1902 by brothers Edward and Ernest Wadsworth of Manchester. In 1939 the organ was modernised, and its action converted to electro-pneumatic, by Rushworth and Dreaper Ltd of Liverpool. The longest serving choir master and organist was Harry Orme 1903-1961.The other Musical Directors have been W.E. (Bill) Cantliffe 1961–1965, Malcolm Courtney Boyle 1965–1976, David John McKay 1976–1985, Neil Stanway 1987–1991; Kathryn Holmes 1993–2023 and Emma Morley 2024-present.
The Sanctuary The altar is a free-standing oak table and was the first item to be placed in St John's in 1903. Its ornaments were given by Clementine Park Yates in memory of her husband. To the left of the altar is the oak bishop’s chair and a small cupboard called an aumbry. To the right is the credence table which can be used during a communion service and two small stone seats called the sedilia for the priest or his assistants. The enormous East Window above the altar is thought to be the work of Charles Kempe 1837-1907.
St John’s Tower
The Tower is in three stages. On the north side, to the right of the main entrance, is a wooden door to a projecting stair turret which ends at the second stage. Here is the floor holding the clock mechanism, with access to a small balcony. The clock was made by J. B. Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire. It has two faces, north and west, strikes the hours and is adjusted manually. From here a vertical ladder leads up to the roof with wonderful views over Sandiway. In January 2023 scaffolding went up around the tower and repairs were carried out.
Vicars Since 1935, when St John’s became a Parish Church, it has had 7 vicars: 1935–1961 Canon J. B. Horrocks; 1961–1980 Revd E. J. Basil Jones; 1981–1998 Canon John Vaughan Griffith; 1998–2005 Revd G. G. Roxby; 2005–2011 Revd M. B. Cox; 2011–2019 Revd Dr R. John Hughes ; The Revd Ruth Mock is our present vicar.
St John’s Exterior
On the east wall is the foundation stone for 1902. The north wall has the figure of St John the Evangelist.
For more information see: John Douglas His Life and Work 1830-1911 by Edward Hubbard and St John’s Church Sandiway: A Myriad of memories 1902-2022 Jill King
