A BUILDING set on a hill cannot be hid, and it is literally true of St.
John’s Church; it is just on the crest, of Notting-hill, and may be seen
from a great distance in the perspective of the long road, to the west of
which it stands. Its effect is at first sight very good; the spire,
however, rising at the intersection of the nave and transepts, appears
too stunted, as if it had been drawn down several feet into the tower, a
fault to be deplored in many instances. Built of stone and covered with
slate, the early English detail, generally very good, the character of
the style very truthfully retained, as shown by the chancel windows, the
well-executed caps and bosses, and in the eastern triplet, make up a very
excellent attractive whole. The plan of the church is cruciform, and is
divided into a nave and aisles, north and south transepts, chancel and
aisles, with a vestry at the N.E. angle. There are several large
galleries, one at the west end, one in each of the transept and chancel
aisles, which add very considerably to the accommodation for sittings.
The organ is placed in the west gallery, and rather takes from a good
perspective, as seen looking westward, the stone columns and
plaster-moulded arcade giving a very poor effect; and the church
generally supports some well-designed work in the clerestory, where oddly
enough we find stone used again, though we cannot help feeling glad to
see it, instead of the plaster work before referred to. The roof is
high-pitched and open, of good design, but, owing to so little of the
light of heaven illuminating the interior, we are unable to say much
about it. The lancet windows are not enough to admit the cheering rays,
and this is certainly a drawback; it gives to the church a gloomy
appearance which it ought not really to have. Most of the windows are
filled with stained glass, but of no good type, except the eastern
subject, representing the Lord’s Supper. The font, close to the west
door, is of simple design, and has the emblems of the Evangelists
sculptured in relief on the bowl. The pulpit, too much like a large
wineglass, is lofty, and blocks out the view, looking east. The pewing
is very mean, and on a level with the pewing of the passages, which is
not improving. Some simple wooden screens shut out the chancel from the
aisles, and the table is plain and railed off. The diaper work painted
on the chancel wall is well done and effective.
Early in 1845 the Church of St. John was consecrated for divine service
in the northern division of Kensington. Misgivings were expressed at the
time that the site, one of the most attractive in London, had been chosen
too far out in the fields; but the population of the district has since
risen from less than 3,000 to more than 60,000, and has been partitioned
among six new parish churches, all built from voluntary contributions,
and maintained without endowments. The church, parsonage, and schools of
St. John’s represent an expenditure of nearly 20,000_l._, almost entirely
raised within the parish; and the subscriptions and collections for 1870
amounted to 996_l._ collected in the church, besides 850_l._ pew-rents,
and 2,390_l._ collected in other ways for local and missionary purposes.
Between 500 and 600 children are in attendance at the schools, and nearly
400 of them belong to the Parochial Provident Society, which consists in
the aggregate of 731 members. The congregation appear much in need of
the additional comfort and accommodation which would be derived from
removing the organ out of the west gallery, and letting in the light from
the handsome window behind it. The design of the architect might then be
carried out, and the organ and pulpit be placed as originally intended,
throwing back the fronts of the north and south transept galleries. This
church has suffered a good deal at different times from well-meant
efforts to provide additional accommodation for the vast population which
has grown up round it; but nothing has been done which might not be
easily set right at a small expenditure. The present incumbent has been
seventeen years in residence, and was appointed by the late Bishop
Blomfield, of London, the see to which the patronage belongs. The east
window is an adaptation in coloured glass of the “Last Supper” of
Leonardo da Vinci, and was offered by the parishioners as a memorial of
their sorrow for the early loss of Eleanor Isabella, only child of Sir
John Franklin, and wife of the incumbent, who was cut off in the midst of
a career of singular activity and Christian usefulness about ten years
ago. A mural monument close by records the decease of the previous
incumbent, the Rev. E. Denniss, who fell a victim to cholera in 1854.
This likewise was placed there by the parishioners as a monument of their
affectionate regret; and it is very observable that our new churches
derive increased solemnity and repose from the gradual increase of such
mementoes as these.
Out of 1,400 sittings, this church has about 400 free; all the others let
at rates varying from 4s. to 15s. per quarter. The congregation is
composed mainly of the well-to-do people of that part, and the
collections which are made for various objects through the year average
from 50_l._ to 60_l._ a Sunday, whether it be for home or foreign
objects. The organist, Mr. Cooper, is surrounded in the orchestra by a
selection of the male Sunday scholars—who are evidently well-trained, and
make up an effective choir—without surplices. The service is completely
on the Evangelical model, animated and thoroughly devotional, and the
congregation join in it earnestly. The prayers and lessons were well
read by a substitute for one of the curates, who are two, the Rev.
Messrs. Leicester and Newton. The sermon was preached by the incumbent,
the Rev. J. P. Gell, from Psalm iii. 4, “He hath made his wonderful works
to be remembered.” The rev. gentleman’s preaching is careful, practical,
and devout; and appears to come directly home to his hearers, over whom,
through a long series of years he has maintained a very manifest
influence for good. The ordinary services are on Sundays at 11 A.M., and
7 P.M., and lecture on Wednesday evening. At 12.30 there is full
Communion Service every first Sunday in the month, after the morning
service; and an early celebration at 9 A.M. on every third Sunday in the
month.