St John's Church, Purewell

St John's Church in Purewell, Dorset, is a charming and historically rich mission church that has been serving the community since the late 19th century. With its quaint architecture and deep-rooted history, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of its founders and the local community.

The History of St John's Church

The origins of St John's Church are deeply intertwined with the needs of the local community in Purewell. In the late 19th century, the residents of Purewell found it inconvenient to travel the mile to Christchurch Priory for worship. Recognizing this need, a local benefactress, Miss Mary Long, took it upon herself to provide a more accessible place of worship for the people of Purewell. She purchased a plot of land at the corner of Purewell Cross, which had been vacant since a fire in 1876, for £200 on 23 September 1880.

The construction of St John's Church began in September 1880, with Charles Davis of Purewell as the builder and William Jurd of Southampton as the architect. The church was designed to accommodate approximately 100 people and was built in memory of Miss Long's brothers, James Long of Southampton and Robert Long of Christchurch. The total cost of building and furnishing the church, including wooden seats, a reading desk, and a harmonium, amounted to £800.

The church was officially opened by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev. Harold Browne, on 5 February 1881, in the presence of around 175 people. Initially scheduled to open a month earlier, the ceremony was postponed due to a snowstorm. Sadly, Miss Mary Long passed away shortly after the opening, on 17 May 1881, at the age of 80.

St John's quickly became a vital community hub, hosting not only religious services but also meetings, lectures, and various entertainments. By the end of the 19th century, the church's facilities were no longer sufficient to meet the community's needs. In response, two adjoining houses and their gardens were acquired in 1897 to expand the mission room.

Over the years, St John's Church has seen several modifications. A platform was added around 1912, and the first Holy Communion service was held on 6 March 1928 after an altar was installed. The harmonium was replaced with an electronic instrument in 1978. Today, the church continues to hold regular services, including Evensong on the second Sunday of the month and Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday. It also hosts tea and coffee mornings every Wednesday and book and bric-a-brac sales each Saturday.

Architectural Features

St John's Church is a fine example of Tudor Gothic architecture, as described in the Pevsner Architectural Guides. The building is constructed from red brick with concrete foundations and a slate roof. Measuring approximately 18 feet by 28 feet, it features eight mullion windows, all adorned with stained glass.

One of the notable features of the church is the vestry at the back of the building. The walls on either side of the door leading to the vestry are adorned with two long frames containing the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, all painted in gilt letters. These frames were created by one of Miss Long's brothers and gifted to St John's by Mr. Lander from St Mary's Church at Bransgore.

Originally, the church was lit by gas via ornamental pendants. Though electric lamps were installed in 1958, two of the original pendants were retained and continued to be used until 2011. The church is surrounded by a wall with iron palisading, and a pavement of tessellated tiles leads to the double door. In 2016, new paving was laid to provide wheelchair access.

In 2010, the interior of the church underwent refurbishment, and in 2013, a single-storey pitched roof extension was added to the back of the building to provide toilet facilities, ensuring the church remains functional and accessible for all visitors.

Community and Services

St John's Church is not just a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of the Purewell community. The church holds regular services that cater to the spiritual needs of its congregation. Evensong, a reflective and peaceful service, is held on the second Sunday of each month, while Holy Communion, a central rite of Christian worship, is celebrated on the fourth Sunday.

Beyond its religious services, St John's Church is a vibrant community center. Every Wednesday, the church hosts tea and coffee mornings, providing a welcoming space for locals to gather, socialize, and support one another. On Saturdays, the church organizes book and bric-a-brac sales, offering a treasure trove of second-hand items and fostering a sense of community spirit and camaraderie.

In conclusion, St John's Church in Purewell is a remarkable blend of historical significance, architectural charm, and community spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a warm and welcoming community, St John's Church is a must-visit destination in Dorset. Its rich history, beautiful design, and ongoing commitment to serving the local community make it a truly special place.