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The parish church of St. John the Divine was built in 1865 by the architect William White. It was constructed in 'rubble Wealden stone in the Decorated style', the stone used being quarried a bare half-mile away in Cooper's Wood. The building itself is generally regarded by twentieth century experts as a very successful example of the Victorian Gothic style. There had previously been a chapel almost opposite in what are now the grounds of Whittington College. That chapel had been built by James Evelyn in 1787. He owned the Felbridge Estate and in 1783 he founded the village school which still stands today.
In 1864, Charles Henry Gatty inherited the Felbridge Estate from his father. At the same time as building the church he built the Vicarage, ample in size, at the rear of the church, providing it with spacious gardens. Today's Vicarage Lodge was originally the Vicarage stable and was converted in 1953 to its present use as a private residence. The old Victorian vicarage eventually became inconvenient for twentieth century use, and in 1965 a new one was built on the site of the old vicarage orchard. A considerable space was allotted to a much-needed car park but the remaining land was sold for development. In 1965 also, a hall extension to the church was erected and, in 1969 and again in 1987, it was extended. From its inception as the parish church, St. John's has been 'low' church with an evangelical ministry, a friendly congregation and a strong family atmosphere. There is a great emphasis on children's work, with many and varied groups linked to the church, and the Family Service is a highlight of each month. The whole of the church's interior was re-planned and redesigned between 1972 and 1974. New floor levels were created and the whole area carpeted. New choir and clergy stalls, a new pulpit and communion rail, finely made and carved in a clean, modern idiom, were introduced and arranged about the Table and Cross to heighten the concept of family worship. The church's original two-manual, hand-blown pipe organ was replaced in 1936, through the generosity of Mr. Ivan Margary, by one of the very first electronic organs, a Hammond, with a specially constructed loud-speaker unit placed in a 'loft' about the Chancel. In 1973 the Hammond was replaced, again through Mr. Margary's benevolence, with a Rodgers Colombian 75, which was dedicated at Easter 1973. St. John's is the most southerly parish church of the Diocese of Southwark, which was founded in 1905. It is a member of Churches Together in East Grinstead and is involved in a number of East Grinstead community projects, such as CARE in East Grinstead. CARE offers neighbourly help with such things as transport, help in the home, odd jobs, shopping, and can be contacted on EG 410086, at any time. Volunteers of all kinds are always needed, and should contact the same number for further information.
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History
