St John the Evangelist
Hoylandswaine, Yorkshire
Discover our lovely village church, built in 1867, set in the picturesque village with extensive views over the valley towards Cawthorne and beyond.
St John the Baptist Church has proudly stood in the heart of Penistone, in its current location from Saxon times and travelled the timeline of history for 900 years, having been destroyed by William the Conqueror in 1069 during the ‘harrying ‘of the north. It was rebuilt in the 1200s with further additional work such as the tower in the 1500’s. Penistone Grammar School was founded as a chantry school in 1392, one of the oldest grammar schools in the country. It was garrisoned by Parliamentarians and Royalist troops in the English Civil War in the 1600s, and it has adapted to the changing culture and periods of our history and continues remain open to anyone wishing to come through its doors.
Have a look around the outside of the building at the west door of the church with its carved faces. Observe the numerous gargoyles who adorn the building and try locate the old scratch dial, an early form of sundial which was used to show the times of services.
The grounds of the church have recently undergone a transformation with the addition of the St John’s Sensory & Heritage gardens. Inspired by the story of Nicholas Saunderson 1692-1739, a blind man who went on to become a professor of mathematics at Cambridge University. He is said to have taught himself to read using the gravestones in the churchyard at Penistone. The Saunderson Memorial spiral within the Sensory Garden is a tribute to his ingenuity and dedication.
Did you now that there are links in Penistone church to the Wordsworth family. These and many other stories are waiting for you.
Today, the church in addition to its religious obligations is used by community groups of all ages. 'Tea and Tots' is a welcoming space for young families - there is a Coffee Morning every Thursday and Saturday and various other activities take place throughout the year. It provides a ‘warm space’ in the winter months, and it offers a place for meditation and friendship. Keeping our historic church standing and serving the community in whatever way is needed is consistently demanding and challenging.
A Christian community in the heart of Penistone, South Yorkshire. A warm welcome extended to all. Welcome. Hospitality. Belonging.