Church Of St John

Church of St John is a church constructed between 1962 and 1963. The architect was Sam Scorer of Denis Clarke Hall, Scorer and Bright. The walls are rendered at the lower level and glazed above, incorporating a wall of stained glass, all beneath a concrete hyperbolic paraboloid roof covered externally in aluminum sheets.

The church is based on a hexagonal plan, designed to ensure the entire congregation has a clear view of the sanctuary and altar. The exterior is characterised by the saddle-like form of the hyperbolic paraboloid roof, rising to the east and west and sloping down to ground level at north and south, where small pools are located. The western entrance is through a porch with a projecting canopy featuring a segmental underside.

Internally, the roof is finished with varnished boarding. A circular sanctuary area is positioned to the east of the hexagon, with the altar raised upon four steps. Light-coloured varnished wood pews are curved to create a partially circular formation on a floor that slopes gently towards the sanctuary. A font is placed in the central aisle, directly in front of the altar. The altar, font, and pulpit are substantial structures crafted from concrete, designed by the architect. A painted metal rail with a shelf surrounds the sanctuary, and a simpler painted metal rail partially encloses the raised area behind it. Attached to the railings on either side of the sanctuary are a pair of large, abstract designed metal candlesticks by sculptor Charles Edward Sansbury. Sansbury also designed two smaller candlesticks of twisted and welded metal, along with a matching Processional Cross. The upper section of the east wall is fully glazed, forming an abstract stained-glass window by Keith New.

The building represents a significant contribution to church architecture of its period, combining innovative design with advanced liturgical planning. It retains a complete set of original fittings, including artist-designed stained glass and metalwork of a high quality, reflecting the overall design concept.