St John's Church, Hartford

The first church on the site was consecrated in 1824. Following this the population grew and the church became too small. In 1873 it was decided that a new and larger church was needed. The new church was designed by John Douglas. The foundation stone was laid on 29 October 1873. The new church was consecrated by William Jacobson, Bishop of Chester, on 24 June 1875. At this time, the church consisted of the chancel and nave with its porches and the foundations of the tower. The tower, also designed by John Douglas, was then added and this was dedicated by William Stubbs, Bishop of Chester, on 14 April 1887. On 20 June 1897 a ring of six bells was dedicated. The total cost of the church was…

Internally the plaster and wooden reredos depicts the Last Supper in a Gothic gilded setting. The main entrance to the church is now through the west extension to the church.

The church continues to be an active parish church in the Evangelical tradition, In addition to Sunday services, the church has a busy mid-week programme and runs a wide variety of groups, cafes and community activities. In October 2009 work started to demolish and replace the church hall. It was replaced by St John's Church Centre, which opened in November 2010. The Church Centre is primarily used for church activities, but is also in frequent use by community and other groups. The parish is within the conservative evangelical tradition of the Church of England, and it has passed resolutions to reject the ordination of women as presbyters (priests). In the 1990s, its clergy included future…