The first organ in St John's was built by Henry Bevington in 1845 and was a one-manual organ of 6 stops. In 1865 Hill & Son built a new organ at a cost of £830 at the West End in a gallery which has since been taken down. In 1880, shortly after the church had become a parish, the organ was rebuilt at the East end of the church. Pneumatic action was added to the pedal organ in 1910 in memory of Lucy A. Galloway and in 1925 Rushworth and Dreaper made further alterations. Further repairs and minor alterations took place in 1938 and 1978 by Bishop & Son.

The organ of 1865 is still substantially present and is an important instrument. The organ, however, is in a poor state, requiring cleaning and urgent repair work. 2013 begins our appeal to see this excellent instrument restored, as the musical hub of a church which is known for one of the most exciting musical repertoires in both services and concerts in London.

The organ has 32 stops and 1636 pipes. Our current Musical Director is Robert Greenhill. He supplements his work at St John's by teaching at the Urdang Academy. Our organ scholar is Nicky Miller, who is a postgraduate student at Trinity Laban in Greenwich. This Summer will see the launch of our appeal. There will opportunities to sponsor stops and pipes and to become a patron. Alongside the fundraising our organ scholar will be involving the local schools, showing them round them organ, explaining its history and mechanics. There will also be an exciting programme of recitals and concerts in the Autumn.

ORGAN UPDATE!!!

Up and Coming Events

Tuesday 21st May: 1.45pm School Introduction to the Organ

The organist shows the children round the organ, tells them the history and introduces the basics of playing.

Download our current and past music programmes here.

So often we attend a church regularly but do not get to know other members of the congregation as well as we'd like. Culture Vulture Ventures brings together the current cultural scene with a friendly fun atmosphere  (meal, drink, afternoon tea!) so that we can enjoy a sociable and cultural feast together!

Keep an eye on this page for details of Forthcoming Ventures!

Photos of recent activity at St John's!

Calling All Toddlers and Babies!

Due to overwhelming demand St John's Under 5 playgroup is expanding to incorporate a second play date. We now meet:

Tuesday morning 10am-11.30am

and Thursday morning 10am-11.30am

Come and enjoy the lively atmosphere and new toys, and bring your parents and nannies to share gossip, babysitters and whatever else adults are interested in. Squash and tea and coffee is available with a superlative array of high class biscuits. Try the trampoline, skiddadle on a scooter, perambulate on a pram, or just recline on our executive baby loungers. We've got it all here.