A century ago, Seven Kings was a fast-growing area. The people here wanted their own church, not just a place to worship far away in Barking. This is St John the Evangelist, Seven Kings standing tall alongside the busy road named for the saint himself. This church was the answer to a simple desire: to worship God in their own community.
The heart of the story begins with Rev. H.W.E. Molony. He was the vicar of St Mary’s in Ilford, and he saw the need for a new church in Seven Kings. The land was bought in 1898, and a temporary iron building was erected near the station. This was the first home of St John’s, and it welcomed its first congregation on May 27, 1900.
A large part in the church’s creation was played by Selina Winter, who was a local landowner and wanted to be involved. She became a generous benefactor, contributing to both the building and the future of the church. In 1901 the decision was made to build the actual church. The architects, J.E.K and J.P. Cutts, drew up plans for a church that could hold a massive 800 people. They already had experience in Ilford, having designed St Clement’s and St Alban’s.
Construction began in 1902, with the foundation stone laid on June 7th. A special service was held with the Bishop of Barking himself present. The stone was laid by Selina Winter in a symbolic act. The building progressed rapidly, the walls rising quickly, the windows being completed, and the bell tower taking shape.
St John’s was finally dedicated on October 2nd, 1904, after many delays. The Bishop of Barking conducted the consecration ceremony. The parish of St John the Evangelist, Great Ilford was officially formed in December of that year. Revd. James Henry Peabody, who had been a deacon in Ilford, became the first vicar.
With the first phase of the church built, the nave was completed in 1906, and the vicarage, large enough for a big family, was finished in 1907. The organ was built in 1908 and dedicated on December 21st. In 1913, the aisles, porches, choir stalls and chapel screens were finished. The rood screen, now in Germany, sadly, was erected in 1914. A large hall and fellowship room opened in 1915.
The church continued to grow and serve the local community. Over the years, there were many updates, additions, and changes. In the early 1960s, the rising costs of maintaining the building became a concern. A major development project finally started in 1989, with the church rotated so that the communion table was under the east window, and new halls, rooms, and a spacious worship area were built.
The old hall and vicarage were demolished and the site sold to a housing association. This resulted in St John’s new vicarage being built on the estate in Farnham Green. The church was re-dedicated in 1990, and it continues to thrive today, serving the community of Seven Kings.
The history of this church is a testament to the faith and dedication of the people of Seven Kings. You can imagine the families who worshipped here, the children who learned about God, and the generations who have been touched by its presence. St John the Evangelist, stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of Christianity in this area.