St John's Church, Ranmoor Explained

Denomination:Church of England
St John's Church, Ranmoor
Osgraw:SK 31952 86280
Churchmanship:Broad Church
Dedication:St. John the Evangelist
Deanery:Hallam
Diocese:Sheffield
Province:York
Vicar:Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes
Director:Philip Collin

St John's Church, Ranmoor is a large parish church in Ranmoor, a suburb of the City of Sheffield, England. It is a Church of England church in the Diocese of Sheffield, and it is the second church to be built on this site after the original church was destroyed by fire in 1887. It has a 190adj=midNaNadj=mid tower and spire,[1] the second tallest church spire in Sheffield after the Cathedral Church of St Marie which is just 5 ft taller.

History

The original church built on this site was designed by E. M. Gibbs,[2] and was opened on 24 April 1879. The building was almost entirely destroyed by fire on 2 January 1887; all that survived was the 190adj=midNaNadj=mid tower and spire. A new church, designed by Flockton & Gibbs (the same Edward Mitchel Gibbs[2]), was built that incorporated the old tower and spire. The church reopened on 9 September 1888; it is a Grade II* listed building.

Memorials

The War Memorial in the churchyard consists of a 16 ft Runic Cross made from unpolished Cornish granite, with carved panels on front and back designed by Mr. A.F. Watson, Sheffield.[3]

Organ

The organ was installed in 1888 by Sheffield builder Brindley and Foster. It is a large three-manual instrument, generally considered to be one of the finest pipe organs in the area.[4] In 2020, the organ underwent an extensive overhaul to repair damage caused by a partial collapse of the ceiling in October 2017.[5] The full specification of the pipe organ can be found at the National Pipe Organ Register.

Notable people

Monty Python actor Michael Palin listed St John's as one of his 'top seven' favourite Churches in a speech to the National Churches Trust on account of it being the Church he was baptised in and regularly attended as a child. He describes fond memories of his Father being both a chorister and bellringer there.[6]

External links

53.3724°N -1.5211°W

Notes and References

  1. . Church-Building News . 37 . 1891 . 3 May 1879 . 497.
  2. Harman, R. & Minnis, J. (2004) Pevsner City Guides: Sheffield, pp267 - 268. New Haven & London: Yale University Press.
  3. Web site: Ranmoor War Memorial (St John's). Hill. Dean. Reeves, Stuart. Sheffield Soldiers of The Great War. 5 August 2017.
  4. Web site: The Organs of St Johns . . . St Johns Ranmoor . 23 August 2022 .
  5. Web site: Closed Sheffield church mounts appeal to pay for £120,000 ceiling repairs . . 22 May 2018. The Star . 23 August 2022 .
  6. News: Michael Palin: my seven of the best. Palin. Michael. 22 May 2015. The Church Times. 5 August 2017.