SomersetTAUNTONStJohnEvangelist(madamcatartCC0)1 MadamCatArt

St John the Evangelist

A place of peace and tranquility.

Taunton, Somerset

Opening times

Monday 12noon to 2pm, church open for quiet prayer and contemplation.
Wednesday 12noon to 2pm, church open for quiet prayer and contemplation.

Address

Park Street
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DG

In 1858 the Revd Frederick Jeremiah Smith began to build St John the Evangelist in the Tangier area of Taunton. Only the best was good enough for God, so the Revd Smith obtained the services of Sir George Gilbert Scott, one of the most eminent architects of the Victorian age, and a leader of the Victorian Gothic Revival Movement.

The significance of St John's has been recognised by English Heritage, who regraded St John's as a Grade I listed building, one of national importance in the country's heritage; one of only two in Taunton.

In 1863, St John's was dedicated, and at the luncheon afterwards the Revd Smith announced that there would be no 'pew rents' ignoring the class system of the time, and becoming the first Anglican church in Taunton where all pews would be available to all worshippers.

The first glimpse of the church, then as now, from all points, would have been the distinctive sandstone spire. It is the only church in the town centre with a spire. Most of the church remains as its original design except for a few additions by eminent architects such as JD Sedding, choir stalls and Lady Chapel reredos, Henry Wilson, screen, and John Dudley Forsyth, baptistry. 

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Car park at church

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • The Friday lunchtime concert series from May to November are an established event in the Taunton social calendar. A warm welcome awaits you to these free interludes of music. Any donations received are divided between charity and St John the Evangelist. The concerts start at 12.45pm but the doors are open from 12noon until 2pm to enjoy your sandwiches.

  • Church of England

  • Cornerstone Grant, £20,000, 2019

  • Our Cornerstone Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Temple Methodist Church

Taunton, Somerset

Town centre Methodist Church over 200 years old with interesting history and vibrant worshipping people and outreach to the community.

St Mary Magdalene

Taunton, Somerset

The magnificent tower of St Mary Magdalene is a prominent feature of Taunton.