About Us
BACKGROUND
Saint John’s has been a place of worship for more than 1000 years. The ancient yew tree in the churchyard suggests that religious activities may have taken place here, on the banks of the River Nadder, for much longer.
The church is a lovely grade 1 listed building with many important and beautiful features. It has been lovingly cared for over the centuries and in that time has had substantial alterations made to suit the needs of each generation. Some examples of this are that the pews were installed the 17thcentury (there have been many modifications to them since), a version of the present heating system in the early 20th century, and the organ in the late 19th century.
In the 1970s the chancel, which is quite remote from the rest of the church, was turned into a separate chapel and the choirstalls and organ were brought into their present position in the main body of the building. The chancel is now called St Andrew’s Chapel and was considerably improved in 2002. It is a lovely intimate space for small services, meetings and concerts. It has its own small pipe organ.
In 2016 the unattractive 20th century wooden doors were removed from the north entrance of the church, exposing the historic inner doors, and new glass doors were installed, giving the church a more open and welcoming aspect.
In 2019 a wonderful new nave altar was given to the church by a family in memory of loved ones. Designed and made by local craftsman Matthew Burt, it forms a fitting centrepiece to our worship. The ancient stone altar which previously stood there is now in the Lady Chapel.
Our most recent project has been the restoration of the reredos, formerly situated above the High Altar in what is now St Andrew's Chapel, and now housed in a niche on the north wall of the Lady Chapel. We hope before long to reinstate the ceiling in the Lady Chapel which fell down in the 18th century. That corner of the church is at present very draughty.
THE EAST WINDOW PROJECT
There has for some time been concern about the state of the Clutterbuck east window of the church, and expert advice is that it is too badly damaged to be restored. We have commissioned a new window from the nationally renowned stained glass artist Tom Denny, and we look forward to this being installed towards the end of 2024. For more information about the new window, please go to http://www.tisburyparishchurch.org/ewindow/
THE HINTON HALL
The Hinton Hall, formerly the village school, is the church hall, and is much in demand as a venue both for regular village activities such as clubs, societies and exercise classes, and for one-off events. There are two rooms, a large hall and a smaller one, separated by sliding doors. Wi-Fi is available free of charge. The toilets have recently been upgraded, to provide an accessible toilet, which also has baby-changing facilities.
GIVING TO THE CHURCH
In common with many churches today, we struggle to meet our financial obligations. Many of our members support the work of the church generously, but there is nevertheless a significant shortfall each year. Donations towards our work are always very welcome; you can give to the church via the Parish Giving Scheme, at https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/tisbury-st-john-tisbury/ Thank you!