St John's church is one of the oldest Catholic churches still in use in the Nottingham Diocese. Completed in 1842, it saw the first legal Catholic worship in Melton Mowbray after almost 300 years of punishment and persecution. Two years after its completion, in 1844, a church hall was built to the right of the church, so this church from its first design conception was intended to offer a community space; a place where people can love, laugh, pray and grow together. Now, 180 years later, the church is regaining its former neo-Gothic glory thanks to your generosity. Newly-decorated in original style, proud of its association with A.W.N. Pugin, the church is now ready for the next step: a hall in its original position, with full disabled access, to enable the parishioners to grow together while offering a service to the entire community!
When it was built the neo-Gothic design was beautiful and the church was described as "a gem". Designers and artisans of national renown were involved, including the famous A.W.N. Pugin. The interior is fascinating, encapsulating the entire courageous history of Catholicism in this area, which was kept alive in secret hiding places at great risk. With its church hall standing close against the wall, and a house for the priest on site, the church was home to a vibrant family, delighted to be able to worship publicly again, determined to build their community and offer love and service to their town. This continued well into the 1960s, but sadly by then the buildings had become in need of attention. The beautiful church artwork was overpainted; the house was compulsorily purchased and demolished. The hall had also deteriorated and in 1985 that was demolished too. The church stood alone and forlorn, with no-one living on site, still greatly loved and much used for regular services, but sadly closed to visitors at most other times.
Thanks to your generous help, that is now changing! The church artwork has already been restored in the original Victorian style and looks stunning. Friends of St Johns has partnered with the nearby Museum to renovate the gardens, in a project which won the top award in the Melton Its your Neighbourhood contest. This has involved a nearby workshop for people with learning difficulties as well as Morrisons. Together, we are transforming this part of Melton already, and we are excited at the prospect of a hall which will enable us to grow together as a community and reach out further with love and care to the people of our town. And not just a hall: there will be a pleasant terrace which could be used for outdoor events, a fully equipped commercial kitchen; a spacious lobby; display facilities, store rooms, offices and smaller meeting areas; full disabled facilities and disabled access. All permissions have now been granted, and the project will cost approximately £700,000. The church has some funds already but more is needed, and Fr. Tom, the priest, has started a Building Fund with the aim of raising £200,000. Friends of St John's have raised £10,000 towards this and would like to raise another £10,000. Will you help?
For the love of people; for the love of our heritage; for the love of God!
We need St Johns to be more than just a religious museum; more even than a place visited only for occasional services. It was not designed just for that! We need this historic church, which is located in the heart of the town, to be fully at the heart of the community a place which is rooted in the past and which gives a sense of stability and continuity to our lives, but which is also a beacon of faith and love in a world which is searching for those things. At present we have nowhere to do the simplest things, even to offer a cup of tea and a listening ear to someone in need. With this project we will have a hall and fully equipped kitchen. We can offer a wide range of facilities and activities run by the parish, and also have a hall for hire by the wider community. We can leave the church open more often so that all can experience a place of peace and calm when in need, and benefit from its beauty and heritage. We can make it improve access for disabled people, and accommodate a larger congregation when needed. We can reach out in love to the poor, the lonely, the marginalised. This area is one of the most deprived in the whole of Leicestershire. If you will help us, we can truly say, In this place all are welcome!
We have already been working hard at offline fundraising events details of which are available on our website https://friendsofstjohns.wixsite.com/historicchurch/fundraising
South Notts Male Chorus date tbc
Talk by Professor Stephen Harding, The Viking History of the Melton & Rutland area 8th November
Melstrum Ukulele Orchestra 15th November
Christmas Wreath Festival 7th & 8th December
Global Harmony 2nd May 2025
More details to follow.
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