<< Collage by pupils of St John and St James Primary School
In 1792 when St John-at-Hackney was built, Hackney was the largest parish in Middlesex. The vast, classical style building, on a Greek cross plan, could hold 2,000 people.
The church is now at the centre of a complex of gardens that provide workers and shoppers in the busy centre of Hackney with easy access to an almost rural retreat. The building is listed Grade II* and houses many monuments dating from Tudor times and other more recent memorials.
Major repair to the roof has been carried out in 2004. The primary structure of the building is sound and in good condition, but steady water damage from a leaking roof has threatened both its survival and the good work which our clergy and congregation are doing.
Total expenditure on the roof has been £190,000 with the aid of a grant from English Heritage. We have also received major donations from Hackney Parochial Charities, Garfield Weston, Wolfson Foundation and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust.
The work is far from over; the church interior still bears the signs of that water penetration on the ceiling which even a long ladder and a longhandled paintbrush could not reach.
Further funds will need to be raised to meet the costs of ongoing work. If you are at all able to give towards this crucial project please consider becoming a Friend of St John's or contact us by email.
If you can Gift-Aid your donation we will be very grateful. Cheques should be made payable to the Parish of St John-at-Hackney. Your help not only protects an important part of London's heritage but also directly supports our people in need.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
We have appointed John Gorick as consultant development manager to
help us develop a vision for the future of our building and
parish.
Click here for our Mission Action
Plan.
If you wish to know more about those plans please contact us
by email.