Number One in the series of the Parish Churches in the
Island
St. John’s Parish Church - (bus route no. 5) as
with all local parishes churches on the island St. John’s has
been added to over the centuries. The chancel, with its high roof
and rough stones, is in essence the original tiny church. As the
population of the parish increased, the west wall of this early
chapel was pulled down in order that the present nave could be
built. At the end of the 15th century, the south aisle, the tower
and the spire were added. The church has been the centre of the
parish worship for over 800 years and its list of known rectors
goes back to the 13th century.
Relics of the island’s past are still to be seen, both
inside and outside of the Church. Outside is the base of a wayside
cross, dating back to the 15th century. Inside, the Lady Chapel has
the Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer written
in French, reminding today’s worshippers that a French
version of the Book of Common Prayer was used in all the parish
churches right up until the early 20th century.
The chandeliers that hang from the roof of the church are the
original oil burning lamps, wired for electricity as recently as
1935. The rose window, high in the west gable, is especially worthy
of a look for the vivid ness of its primary colours which convey
the vital energy of the Holy Spirit’s gifts – the
subject depicted. Delicately engraved on the glass of the main
doors is the cross of St. John.
Reference: ‘Jersey’ by Sonia Hillsdon.
The above co-ordinates are for the cache - just go find and
re-hide, there is no room for swaps, TBs or coins and no need to
trample over graves as it is not inside the church yard. –
please bring your own pen to sign the log.
*** Congratulations to the Mundy family for FTF
***