Welcome to St. John's

Service times

Sunday 11.15 am

Thursday 10.00 am

St John the Evangelist, Upper Hopton.

St John's is a small, friendly, village church with a congregation ranging from the active Sunday school children, couples getting married to those enjoying retirement. Many of the congregation come from outside the village in order to take part in worship and fellowship at St John's. The church itself is a beautiful serene building in which it is easy to find peace and tranquillity. The church is often decorated with flowers and the church yard looks stunning with daffodils in spring. If you are new to the area, you can be sure of a warm welcome at St John's. Please come and introduce yourself to the vicar, churchwarden or sidesperson so we can make you feel at home.

St John’s Church was designed by the Durham architects Bonomi and Cory, the church is a copy of the 15th century Perpendicular style. The churchyard has been extended twice. In 1904, a middle section was donated by William Hall Marriott (formerly of Hopton Grange). It is likely that the stone archway was built at this time. The largest section of the churchyard was donated by Charles Sutcliffe in 1930.

The lych-gate was built in 1949 to commemorate the men of Upper Hopton who died in the Second World War. The church clock was installed in 1953, partly as a celebration of the coronation and partly in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the church.

In 1981 St John’s, Upper Hopton became a United Benefice with St Paul’s Eastthorpe.

In 1998 money was raised by the Community Association, the PCC and the Friends of Upper Hopton Parish Church for the Millennium Window, which was designed and painted by local artists, Anne and Vince Seabourne. The memorial garden, under the window, was planted in memory of Shirley Hartley, Treasurer of the Community Association for many years and a member of the committee, which raised the funds for the Millennium Window.

On April 11th 2007 St. Mary's Mirfield, St. Paul's Eastthorpe, and St. John's Upper Hopton became a single benefice to form the Mirfield Team Parish.

The Friends of Upper Hopton Parish Church co-operate with the Parochial Church Council in the preservation and adornment of the Church, and the general maintenance of the church, its activities and services, its ornaments and furnishing. The Friends also promote public interest in the church, and for all these purposes to seek to bind together in a common fellowship all those who live or work in the parish or who worship in the Parish Church.