Beneath Islington’s vibrant surface lies a sanctuary of faith. This is St John the Evangelist Church. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Catholicism in London.
St John the Evangelist has a rich history. Its roots trace back to the early 19th century. The Catholic community in Islington was growing. Many were migrants from Ireland. They needed a place to worship.
In 1837, priests from St Mary Moorfields established a school on Duncan Street. A chapel soon followed in 1839. But the congregation quickly outgrew this humble space. A larger church was needed.
The foundation stone for St John the Evangelist was laid on September 27, 1841. Bishop Thomas Griffiths blessed it. Joseph John Scoles was the architect. He was known for designing churches.
Scoles chose the Romanesque Revival style for St John the Evangelist. This design was inspired by the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Construction progressed rapidly. By June 26, 1843, the church opened. Bishop Griffiths presided over the ceremony.
Not everyone admired Scoles’ design. Augustus Pugin criticized it. He called it a combination of modern deformity. Architect Joseph Hansom defended the church. He praised it as fine and noble.
The two towers at the front of St John the Evangelist were not finished initially. Scoles intended them to be symmetrical. However, when completed in 1877, they became asymmetrical. Canon Oakeley made this decision.
Over the years, St John the Evangelist underwent several developments. In 1855, the Sacred Heart chapel was painted. Edward Armitage painted the fresco in the St Francis of Assisi side chapel in 1859. From 1861 to 1862, Armitage created the fresco of Jesus and his apostles. It is in the apse of the church.
The altar and tabernacle were installed in 1872. Goldie and Child designed them. Thomas Earp built them. The St Francis chapel was further furnished in 1882. Joseph Connolly provided the designs. The stations of the cross were added in 1884.
The organ was rebuilt from 1963 to 1964. The crypt was excavated from 1977 to 1978. In 1973, the church was reordered. The altar was installed in its current position.
Today, St John the Evangelist remains a vibrant parish church. It stands next to St John the Evangelist Primary School. The church offers four Sunday Masses. They are held on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, noon and evening.
As you stand here, consider the faith. Consider the art. Consider the community that built St John the Evangelist. It is a landmark. It is a testament to Islington’s history. It is a testament to London’s Catholic heritage.