Remember the year 1927? The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of England decided to build a church right here in Orpington. That decision marked the beginning of St John’s United Reformed Church, Orpington.
The first service was held in the village hall in May. It was a humble start but a determined one. By December 1928, the Presbyterian Church provided land to build a suitable church hall. A building fund was started in January 1929 to make this vision a reality. The stone-laying ceremony took place on October 4th, 1930. Finally, the opening ceremony of the church hall occurred on December 13th of the same year.
However, in 1931, Rev. J. Moore Fergusson wished to leave his post. Then, on September 13th, Rev. J.G. Morton began his ministry at St John’s. By 1936, a Children’s Church was established. This allowed children to attend their own service while their parents were in the main service.
World War Two cast a shadow starting in 1939. The evening service was discontinued in 1940 because of the Blitz. Morning services continued. By 1942, all the church debts were paid off. The congregation moved from St Nicholas School to the Church hall. Rev. J.G. Morton passed away in April 1943. August saw Rev. A. B. Jamieson accept the call to become Minister at St John’s. The new minister started a monthly paper.
When the war ended in 1945, three men from the congregation had died. Fuel shortages in 1947 made it impossible to heat the church. Services were held in the Church kitchen.
A meeting occurred on May 10th, 1950 to discuss building a new church. A Guide Company was established in 1950, followed by Brownies and Rangers. Then came Scouts, Cubs, and Rovers. Later, Rovers became Venture Scouts.
In April 1954, communion service was so crowded that some had to return for an evening service. The foundation stone of the new church was laid on December 11th by Mr A. M. T. Ireland. A dedication service for the new church was held on September 24th, 1955.
Rev. A. B. Jamieson was nominated Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of England in 1960. The extension of the church hall began in 1964. In September 1965, Sunday school became junior church.
Rev. A. B. Jamieson retired in 1971. Rev. D. Alasdair Pratt was inducted as minister of St John’s on April 15th, 1972. In October 1972, the Presbyterian Church merged with the Congregational Church. It became the United Reformed Church. St John’s celebrated its 50th birthday in 1977. That same year, Rev. Andrew Jamieson died at 71.
The congregation decided to invite a minister from another country in 1978. This minister would serve as an associate for six months. Rev. M. Gunabalan from India was welcomed in September 1980.
St John’s put on a production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ in March 1983. It was a success. Rev. Alasdair Pratt resigned in April 1984. His final service was held on July 15th, 1984. Rev. Michael Rees was inducted as Minister of St John’s on July 13th, 1985. The Church Pipe Organ was dedicated on Easter Monday 1986. It originally belonged to Dulwich Emmanuel Church. St John’s celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1987. Christopher Gill presented his plans for the Church website in 2000.
Today, St John’s United Reformed Church, Orpington continues to serve as a Christian center. It welcomes people of all ages. It offers various activities throughout the week. The church provides guidance and support to young people. St John’s remains a caring community, encouraging growth in faith. It shares that faith through worship and service.