The church of St John the Baptist is situated in the heart of the parish close to the High Street shopping area.
The site was given as a free gift by Mrs Gibson of Sandhurst Lodge and Mr A.W.Blomfield was appointed as the Architect. The foundation Stone was laid on 27 September 1872 and only 8 months later there was a great gathering for the Consecration of the new Church by the Bishop of Oxford, Dr J Mackarness, on 5 May 1873.
On the 4th December 2009 The Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport added St John the Baptist Parish Church Crowthorne to the national list of buildings of special architectural or historical interest and designated the church, churchyard cross and lychgate as GRADE II.
The West End of the Church was altered in 1968 and the Hall extension added. During the early 1980’s the Chancel was re-ordered into its present shape and an extension added to the Hall. Because of its age and the need to bring this up to new government regulations, the design and use of the whole Hall has been re-developed to accommodate a Parish Office, seven store cupboards, refurbished kitchen and toilets, a disabled toilet and improved central heating and new carpeting.
In the past few years we have completed a massive programme of repair and restoration. The entire roof has been replaced, the Church heating system has been completely renovated to provide a modern “smart” heating system. The organ has been completely stripped down and refurbished, and we have installed a “state-of-the-art” audio/visual system.
Layout of the Church buildings
The main Nave and Chancel, will comfortably accommodate a congregation of 250 people and the adjoining hall can be brought into use to increase capacity to 400 people for larger services.
The Lady Chapel has seating for 20 people. There is a Vicar’s vestry as well as a Choir Vestry and Organ loft.
The hall is used by Church groups and Community Groups.
Parking
There is parking on Church Street and Waterloo Road. Be aware that Church Street is an unmade road and can be bumpy.
Disabled Access
The external door to the Lady Chapel has level access into the Lady Chapel and Nave. There is a ramp at the main from entrance allowing access to the vestibule and hall. There are two steps down into the Nave from the hall, but there is a handrail and we have a temporary ramp which we can deploy for use with wheelchairs. Communion is served in the Nave, so there is no need to climb steps into the Sanctuary. People may receive the sacraments in their seat if they so wish.
Comfort
The pews all have cushions and there is a good heating system, which is used for services.
Audio/Visual System
There is a modern audio/visual system which ensures that all can hear comfortably. There is a loop for the hard of hearing. We have a very large screen which drops down from the roof when required. The Audio/Visual system extends to the hall with a permanent screen and speakers. These can be used in conjunction with the main Church display, or independently.
Kitchen and toilets
There is a modest kitchen, toilets including a disabled toilet.
Booking the Church or Hall
The Church and Hall are available for use by community groups. If you are interested, please contact the Bookings Secretary by emailing Bookings@crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk