Star Appeal
Support the appeal for restoration
A building steeped in history with beautiful stained glass windows.
The Church of St John the Baptist on South Street in Barnstaple in Devon is the Anglican parish church for the Newport area of the town.
The church comes under the Diocese of Exeter. The current building was completed in 1882. The nave, chancel, north aisle, vestries and the north porch are built of local limestone.
The choir vestry, a new bell and windows on the north side of the church were added in 1929 in commemoration of the church’s centenary, with celebrations being led by Lord William Cecil, Bishop of Exeter.
More recently, the church had a major refurbishment when the chairs, carpet and kitchen servery were added to enable the building to be used for offering hospitality and a place where children and families were welcomed during the week.
What is Star all about?
Like many historic buildings, St John the Baptist church is in need of urgent repair.
So much so, that if left to the elements there is serious concern for the integrity of the building.
Support The Appeal for Restoration is a project to raise money to make the repairs which will help the long term life of this wonderful building.
Why are you asking for my help?
St John the Baptist church is a big part of the Newport history and community.
For nearly 150 years it has been a valuable resource in our community providing regular Christian Worship, and offering a much needed community space for baby and toddler groups, community coffee mornings, concerts, school visits, weddings, funerals, babtisms and community gatherings.
Not just a building?
St John’s is a place that invests in our local community offering a warm welcome and finding creative was to support the wider community.
We support people to volunteer in Park Lane Care Home and to support the work of the Freedom Centre and North Devon Hospice. We run Mini Music, a baby and toddler music group and actively support our local schools.
We seek to be a welcoming community enabling friendships to develop and grow.
A note from Selina
It doesn’t look much from the outside, but inside St John’s Newport you will find a warm and welcoming space steeped in local history and full of people ready to listen and enjoy a cuppa.
The costs of maintaining this ancient building have increased and help is needed to ensure this wonderful community building is still available for future generations.
If you would like to find out more, are able to organise a fundraiser or make a gift, that would be brilliant.
Just scan the QR code to make a gift or contact me:
Selina@thegarners.me.uk
01271 349863
How will I benefit?
You and your family, friends, and colleagues may wish to use the space in the future. We are hoping to diversify the use of the building to include more community groups and activities.
To make a lasting difference to the community you live in.
You can donate here using the QR code, come to one of our events or follow us on Facebook