St John’s Church
St John the Evangelist, a Grade I Listed church, is perched on high ground close to the River Arun in Bury. Following the Norman conquest, the parish of Bury was given to the abbey of Fécamp in Normandy. It seems likely, therefore, that the present church was built under the direction of the abbey. Certainly the tower and nave are 12th century, and the south aisle dates from about 1200. The most noticeable feature on approaching St John’s is the broad shingled spire. It is believed this was built when the church roof was restored in 1603.
The chancel was completely rebuilt in the 19th century. The most notable feature of the chancel is the fine oak panelling and reredos by Nathaniel Hitch. The altar was carved by J. Philips and designed by the vicar at the time, Revd John Sale (1887-1915).
St John’s forms part of the Parish of Bury, Coldwaltham, Hardham and Houghton.
Services at St John’s, during normal times, are: 1st Sunday, 10.30am, Holy Communion; 2nd Sunday, 8am, Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer); 3rd Sunday, 10.30am, Holy Communion; 4th Sunday, 8am, Holy Communion (BCP); 5th Sunday, 11am, Holy Communion, followed by lunch (rotates round the four churches in the Parish. St John’s usually hosts the one in the winter months).
St John’s is open every day except Monday to visit and as a place of prayer.
