St John the Evangelist Church, Oxford

St John the Evangelist Church is a Gothic church building constructed from 1894 to 1896 on Iffley Road in Oxford. It features side aisles and a chancel with flying buttresses, along with a castellated west tower completed in 1902.

The church was designed by architect G. F. Bodley for the Society of St. John the Evangelist as a community place of worship. Its construction in the 1890s reflected a broader movement in Oxford to support new religious communities through dedicated buildings.

The stained glass windows feature the detailed figurative work of C. E. Kempe, a renowned designer of his era. Inside, the Stations of the Cross by Edward Arthur Fellowes Prynne from the 1920s create a spiritual focal point for visitors.

The building has served as a chapel for St Stephen's House since 1980 and hosts musical events through SJE Arts Oxford. Access may vary depending on ongoing events or academic activities, so it is helpful to check ahead before visiting.

The church tower flag served as a tool for assessing wind conditions when Roger Bannister attempted to break the four-minute mile record on the nearby running track in 1954. This connection links the building to one of sport's greatest achievements.

Location: Oxford

Inception: 1896

GPS coordinates: 51.74670,-1.24000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08