About Us
St John's, Bierley's Little Gem' offers a warm and friendly welcome to all and is the place where people have met to worship God and find fellowship for nearly 250 years. It was built as a proprietary chapel in 1766, by the architect John Carr in the Grecian Style and enlarged 1828 and 1831. The church was commissioned by Richard Richardson of Bierley Hall as an estate chapel. It was only consecrated in 1824. A small but finely detailed classical. "barn".
The north transept and west porch were added 1828"�31. The west front pediment is surmounted by a graceful bell turret with engaged Tuscan columns, small dome and short obelisk"�spire with weathervane. Three bay side elevations with arched windows shallowly recessed for one order. Plat band at impost level carried right round the building. The east end has a Venetian window, with blind side lights. The 3 bay west front has a shallow 2"�storey arched recess to centre containing a corniced plaque with guttae set above the Gibbs surround doorway. The latter is screened by a Tuscan double columned porch added circa 1823. Plain, revealed glazing bar sashes flank on ground floor and square blank panels at first floor level above plat band. Oculus in pediment. The north transept is detailed in the same manner as the original. Inside has very restrained classical mouldings. The west gallery with delicate balustrade breaking forward to centre over internal porch of 6 Tuscan columns. A similar balustrade to gallery in north transept, supported on cast iron columns. The pulpit rests on the original font stem, octagonal bowl with set of panels added in 1905. Two large C18 paintings flank the Altar which were stolen from Wibsey Chapel (now Holy Trinity Low Moor) in the 18th century!
Our principal act of worship is the celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) every Sunday at 10:00am. Our active Sunday Club takes place at the same time and at the end of the service gives a lively presentation of what they have been doing.
Indeed, our programme of services and events cater for a wide range of ages and needs. Our Wednesday Communion is a contemplative service, followed by a nice social time.
We also have a first class carers and toddlers group, Little Gems, which meets on a Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:30am in church. For teenagers, the Youth Club meets in the church at 6pm each Monday and our Social Committee is always planning a good programme of events.
Last, but not least, we have a wonderful Church Shop,housed in the Old School building in Bierley Lane.We sell a wide range of quality new 2 u goods (best in Bradford so we are told!) in the heart of the Community. We also operate an after school tuck shop with confectionery at competitive prices. Bring the kids!
This helps to support the work of the Church as well as giving opportunities for work experience. Telephone 01274 681681 for further details.
As the Parish Church we are here to serve the whole community and share with you signifcant life events.
For Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals please contact Fr. Paul on 01274681397