St John the Evangelist, Victorian Gothic landmark, Redhill, Surrey

St John the Evangelist is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic revival architecture, featuring the original Victorian stained glass, a gilded triptych and a fine organ built by Henry Willis (aka Father Willis, 1821 – 1901). Willis created 1,000+ organs, including those at the Royal Albert Hall and St Paul’s.

The first church was built in 1843 to serve the growing population that came with alongside the arrival of the London to Brighton railway in 1841. Aisles were added in 1860 by Robert Hesketh, and later reused by Loughborough Pearson in 1889-91 when he rebuilt the nave and chancel to create the church we see today.

Pearson (1817-97) was one of the greatest of 19th century church architects. He worked on more than 200 ecclesiastical buildings, including Truro, Lincoln, Chichester, Peterborough, Bristol and Exeter cathedrals, as well as St George’s Chapel Windsor, Westminster Hall and Westminster Abbey.

St John's soaring 185ft spire added in 1895 houses eight bells, hung for full circle ringing, with a peal said to be one of the easiest going in Surrey. Most of the stained glass is by Clayton and Bell, dating to the enlarging of the church. An impressive East Window features the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension.

Other features include an Angel font (1882); a marble pulpit showing the raising of Lazarus (1882), and an Eagle Lectern which is a replica of the brass eagle in Southwell Minster.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:

Church open from 12 noon, choir concert 16.00hrs - 17.00hrs

Sunday 15 September:

Church open from 14.00hrs, organ recital 16.00hrs, evening service 17.00hrs

Location & directions

St. Johns Church, Church Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6QA

Directions:

From Redhill take A23 towards Brighton, right at Church Road. OR A217 through Reigate, turn left along Woodhatch Road, straight over roundabout taking Pendleton Road, and St John's church will be directly in front of you. Parking in front of the church or in neighbouring roads.

Contact on day:

Jo Josh

Telephone number:

+447787530922

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Steep stairs to access bell tower otherwise fully accessible.

Additional information

Choir concert Saturday 14 September, 16.00hrs: 'A celebration of English choral music from across the ages' and recital on Father Willis organ on Sunday 15 September, 16.00hrs, followed by evening service at 17.00hrs.

Max no of people per tour:

250

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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