St John's Church
At St John’s we value everything about our history – and include a little of that below - but what is really important to us is the now: how we can help introduce Jesus Christ to those who don’t know him and bring God’s love to the people of Churt and Rushmoor today and into the future.
A look back . . .
The boundaries of the new parish of St John the Evangelist, Churt & Rushmoor were published in the London Gazette in 1866 and today, these ecclesiastical boundaries remain as they were in 1866. The current civil parish of Churt (not including Rushmoor, which is included in the ecclesiastical parish of Frensham) is less extensive. Building of the church (largely in local Bargate stone) had commenced in 1838 and after further additions, it was consecrated in 1868 by the Lord Bishop of Winchester. In 1928, the Diocese of Guildford was formed and the parish of Churt became part of the new diocese. The parish of Churt and Rushmoor was combined with the Parish of Hindhead, St Alban’s in 2003 to create a joint benefice and the two churches work in close partnership – stronger together.
Map of the ecclesiastical parish of St John's Churt and Rushmoor
Sketch of St John's Church in 1868
A number of structural additions and alterations have taken place over the church’s history including the Church Room which was added in 1975 providing useful space for our children’s work, meetings and social gatherings.The interior of the church has been enriched and maintained over the years by generous memorial bequests and the skilled work of willing and skilled parishioners. There are memorials to those lost in the First and Second World Wars.
And now . .
St John’s Church has always been at the heart of this community. Our fortnightly Drop In Café, Hearing Clinic and weekly Toddler Group are appreciated by many and everyone is welcome to come along on Sundays (regular service at 9.45am) or to enjoy the peace of the building which is open every day. Celebrations of the major Christian festivals, weddings, funerals, baptisms, school services and community gatherings ensure that many in the village and beyond value St John’s and worshippers of all ages and backgrounds can find a spiritual home.
The churchyard is appreciated by many as a haven of tranquillity and wildlife and as the final resting place – whether by burial or the interring of ashes - of those they have loved and lost.
Whatever your reason for visiting, you are assured of a warm welcome and if you want to find out more why not check out our website.
The church is generously supported by the ‘Friends of St John’s’, which raises money for the upkeep and general repairs of the fabric of the buildings. Through concerts and other entertainments and events and the ever-popular sideshows at the annual Churt Fete, not only are significant funds raised but the social life of the Village is enhanced and links are made across the community.
The church receives no national or state funding and is entirely dependent upon the generosity of its congregation and those in the wider community to maintain the building, the churchyard and to carry on its many activities. If you would be willing to help financially then please click here to link to our 'giving' page.
We would be most grateful.