St John the Evangelist, Taunton explained

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.

History

The Reverend Frederick Jeremiah Smith decided to build a new church in Taunton for the poor of the town.^[1] From 1858 to 1863, St John's was built under the guidance of the eminent Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott.^[2] Materials used included a variety of Somerset stones, including Hamstone, Bath stone and sandstone from Bishops Lydeard.^[3] 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. The church was consecrated on 13 April 1863.

A "Father" Henry Willis organ was installed in 1864.

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.^{[4] [5]}

The church was founded in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. In the 21st-century, it is an Inclusive Catholic church.^[6]

External links

• Church website

51.0136°N -3.1086°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Our Church & The Friends of St. Johns . St. John's Church,Taunton . 12 June 2019 . en.
2. Web site: Taunton St John the Evangelist . Explore Churches . 12 June 2019 . en.
3. Web site: St John The Evangelist - Taunton, Somerset . The Wessex Conservation Company . 12 June 2019.
4. Web site: St John the Evangelist - More information . A Church Near You . 12 June 2019.
5. Web site: Benefice Profile: St Mary Magdalene Taunton and St John the Evangelist Taunton . Diocese of Bath and Wells . 12 June 2019 . pdf . January 2019.
6. Web site: St John the Evangelist, Taunton . Inclusive Church . 12 June 2019 . en . 6 July 2011.