Church Of St John The Evangelist

SD 82 NE CLIVIGER BURNLEY ROAD Holme

6/21 Church of St. John the Evangelist 1.4.1953 - II

Church, 1788-94, enlarged and altered 1897. Squared sandstone with dressed quoins, (etc), roof concealed by parapet (probably slate). Rectangular 3-bay plan, with 2 bay chancel and vestry added 1897. In simple classical style, with plain string course, moulded cornice, low parapet, round-headed windows, west bell turret finished with octagonal cupola; 2-storey entrance front at west end has pedimented Tuscan architrave to round-headed door all within a shallow round-headed blind arch described by the string course and containing a lunette; 2 windows on each floor, all round-headed with circular tracery; a round window in the pediment and 3 circular tie-plates at 1st floor. Side walls have 3 large round headed windows in blind arches like that at the front. South side has 2 downspouts with rainwater heads lettered 17 DW 97, and a large cruciform tie-plate at each end. Two-bay chancel in matching style has a Venetian east window (relocated). Gate archway on south side surmounted by remains of late medieval carved stone cross. Interior: east end altered 1897 by addition of chancel, but retaining triple arched screen wall with high semi-circular central arch (formerly to a sanctuary recess) flanked by lower arches (formerly to private pews of Ormerod and Whitaker families); consecration date 1794 recorded in inscribed roundels on west side of pier to Whitaker pew; at west end a gallery with 3 semi-circular arches below (the outer blind) and 3 above, the wooden gallery front divided into 4 panels by fluted pilasters, and the panels containing painted Commandment Tables; late C15 or early C16 octagonal oak pulpit with open traceried panels and embattled top; 4 carved oak stalls from former Blackburn Parish Church (demolished 1820), 2 having carved misericords; various wall monuments of Ormerod and Whitaker families, including bust of T.D. Whitaker, historian; and painting of General Scarlett, hero of Crimean War.

Listing NGR: SD8763428520