The money for the project was raised by public subscription; the principal subscribers being Mr Henry Boddington, The Cove, Silverdale, a member of the well-known brewery family, and Mrs Murton, Highfield, Silverdale. The architect was Mr William Ball of Ball & Elce, Manchester.
Consecrated in 1886, St. John’s Silverdale has a big west tower, mildly decorative features, quatrefoil piers with carved angels and other figures. Inside the church in the nave, is a very good example of a Victorian arched collar roof in pine. The cost of the building was £10,000.
Recent additions include the conversion of the North Transept to Lady Chapel, two stained glass windows, a glass Tower Screen and banners sewn by parishioners.
In the South Transept, we have possibly the most modern example of a hand-built, old-style wheel bier in the country. This was formerly used to carry coffins from the church to the burial ground down Emesgate Lane, a job now done by motor hearse.