Brief History of St John's

This was at a time when the area was being developed by the Ipswich and Suffolk Freehold Land Society (FLS).  The Society still exists today as Ipswich Building Society.

In October 1850 FLS purchased just over 98 acres of the Cauldwell Hall Estate, for a total cost of £4992.  This is now regarded as close to the town centre, however, in 1850 it was part of an outlying farm, well outside the town.  The land was divided into 282 allotments, or plots, which were allocated the Society members by ballot.

Soon after the ballot the new landowners were seen wending their way towards their new freeholds, many of whom carried pickaxes and spades.  The scene was likened to the California Gold Rush in America and this area of Ipswich has been known as California ever since.

St Nicholas Congregational Church, Ipswich

This original foundation stone is incorporated into the present building.  The first extension to the original building was in 1873 and the first full time pastor was appointed in 1885.

1854 California Chapel

"IPSWICH, St JOHN'S.  Minister Rev T Devine.  The church which is now being erected is intended to meet the needs of the rapidly growing district of St John's

For several years past the church has felt the pressing need for school accommodation.  Two years ago it was decided to build a new church and convert the present one into a Sunday School, &c.  The generous offer of £1000 towards this scheme by Mr Councillor W Pipe (who has since added to his gift), encouraged the people to take this step.

The new building adjoins the old one at the junction of Spring Road and Cowper Street and consists of a nave, Chancel, west transept and ministers and choir vestries.

It is of Gothic design and is carried out in red brick with moulded brick and stone dressings and has a seating accommodation for 500.

The open timber roof, the arcading and the seating are of pitch-pine; and the windows are glazed with rich leaded lights.

The building is ventilated by a Boyle's air pump extractor and a number of air inlets; and the heating is by low pressure hot-water system.  The entire cost, including the site amounts to about £3200.

The architect is Mr E H Coller of Ipswich."

The house next to the new (1907) church was purchased in 1928 for use as a Manse and in 1930 another School Hall was built in part of the garden.

All buildings on the site were demolished in 1987 to make way for the construction of our present multi-purpose premises.

A 42 page illustrated sequel to the above, entitled 'The Next Fifty Years', was published in October 2009, this records the events between the centenary in 1954 and the 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2004 and is available at the church, £1.50 per copy.  Orders by post should be in writing to the church and should include a cheque for £2.00, this includes postage within the UK.  Orders from outside the UK please enquire about postage cost. 
(Church address on 'Contact' page.)

Notes:  Some of the above dates are the year the information was first published, or ceased to appear, in the denominational Yearbooks and may not therefore be the actual dates of Induction, or end of a ministry.

This stunning Wall Hanging was created in 2004, for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the church.  It hangs in the Worship Area and was dedicated on 10 October 2004.

The following is offered as an explanation;

The
Light
shines
in the 
darkness
John 1 v5

A textile installation created for the 150th anniversary of St John's URC  The design is based on celebrating beginnings and uses the idea of the eternal Word of God from John 1.

Cotton satin fabric has been digitally printed and enhanced with couched machine wrapped cords and imitation Japanese gold and red cords.  Beads and sequins have been randomly placed to reflect the light at the centre.

The text has been grit blasted onto acrylic.

The image was created and designed by Penelope Cubitt.  Stitching by Jane Cook, Penelope Cubitt, Val Haugh, Sara Pells, Pauline Salmon, Anthea Taylor, Mary West and Mary Wilson.

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