Beneath South London’s skyline rises St John the Divine. It is more than just a church. It is a testament to faith. It embodies resilience.
St John the Divine emerged from Victorian Britain’s complex tapestry. The 19th century saw London burgeon. Poverty and immigration surged. New railways connected Surrey’s fields. Kennington felt the weight of poverty. St John the Divine became a mission. It aimed to bring the Christian Gospel to South London’s poor.
In 1866, Reverend Daniel Elsdale opened a mission. It started in a school in Bolton Street. Later, it moved to a new school building in 1868. This building was on the corner of Elliott Road and Frederick Crescent.
A permanent church was needed. In 1870, a site was acquired. C. A. Gould was the initial architect. However, Reverend Charles Edward Brooke supported George Edmund Street’s design in 1871. Street specialized in the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the 13th century. Street planned St John the Divine in stages. The chancel and chapel came first. Then came the nave and spire.
Funding came from a public appeal that began in 1871. An anonymous donor gave £10,000. This donor was later revealed to be Reverend C. E. Brooke. His generosity enabled Street to design a grand church. Bishop Samuel Wilberforce of Winchester chaired the Building Committee. On July 4, 1871, the foundation stone was laid.
Bishop Harold Browne of Winchester consecrated the church on November 14, 1874. Only the nave was complete at that time. Work continued throughout the 1870s and 1880s. The organ was installed in October 1875. George Edmund Street died in 1881. His son, Arthur Edmund Street, completed the tower.
Seventeen years after the foundations were laid the spire was finished. The topping-out took place on December 7, 1888. At 200 feet tall, it became South London’s tallest spire.
St John’s second vicar, Reverend C. E. Brooke, supported Anglo-Catholic worship. The church’s interior was ornate. It featured stone carvings by Thomas Earp. Wrought iron altar rails and stained glass windows added to its beauty.
In 1941, German bombs struck St John the Divine. The attack destroyed roofs, vaults and furnishings. Restoration began in the 1950s. The church reopened in September 1958.
In 1994, the tower was restored. New gargoyles were added. These caricatures depicted members of the congregation and the Royal Family.
Much stained glass was lost. Plain glass replaced it in the north and south aisles. Some original stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe survived. New windows were installed in All Souls Chapel.
Brian Thomas painted murals behind the altar in 1966. The left panel shows Mary and Jesus. The central panel features lilies and roses. The right panel is a pietà.
Above the North door hangs the Korean Icon. It is a memorial to Bishop Charles John Corfe. On the south side stands the Kelham Rood. This is a life-size bronze sculpture of Christ on the Cross.
In 2001, a fire caused smoke damage. The church was cleaned and restored. New lighting and a sound system were installed. The church stands more beautiful than before.
Today, St John the Divine continues its mission. It serves a diverse community. Its Anglo-Catholic tradition embraces sacraments and ceremony. It is a beacon. St John the Divine stands tall. It is a symbol of faith. It is a testament to the community’s enduring spirit.