St John The Evangelist Church
Iffley Road, Oxford, OX4 1EH, GB
Rating: 4.5 ★ (49 ratings)
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The Grade I listed St John the Evangelist Church, designed by G. F. Bodley in a Decorated Gothic style, was originally built in 1894-96 as the community church for the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Anglican religious order also known as the Cowley Fathers. Its castellated west tower, a notable feature on the Iffley Road, was completed in 1902 and apparently helped Roger Bannister gauge wind conditions on the day he broke the four-minute mile at the nearby track. Inside, visitors can admire stained glass by C. E. Kempe and a striking set of Stations of the Cross by Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Arthur Fellowes Prynne, installed in 1921. Since 1980, the church has also served as a college chapel for St Stephen's House, Oxford, and underwent significant restoration in 2008, including the installation of underfloor heating for modern comfort.
Now a well-regarded arts and concert venue known as SJE Arts, the church offers a unique atmosphere for a diverse programme of musical and artistic events. Its superb acoustics and glorious wooden ceiling make it a favourite for performers and audiences alike, hosting everything from classical concerts and the Oxford Lieder Festival to jazz, folk, and even Gilbert and Sullivan society productions. While the regular music programme run by SJE Arts is scheduled to close from the end of June 2025, some longstanding bookings will continue into July, and the SJE Arts International Piano Series will move to St John's College. Visitors should check the SJE Arts website for the latest on upcoming events, which have included performances by renowned artists like The Sixteen, Turin Brakes, and the Fergus McCreadie Trio.
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+44 1865 613507
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