Researching the History of St John’s Church, Goldenhill
North Staffordshire Heritage is researching the history of St John the Evangelist on High Street, Goldenhill, for a book about the life of Sir Smith Child.
Smith Child’s Philanthropy and the Founding of the Church
During the nineteenth century, Smith was North Staffordshire’s most generous philanthropist. In 1840, he became chairman of the Fundraising Committee set up to build a church at Goldenhill. He gave £200 towards the building’s cost and established a £1,000 endowment to pay the resident minister’s salary. The committee’s efforts were remarkably successful. It raised the money to build the church in just four months.
The church’s foundation stone was laid by Smith’s wife, Sarah, on 3 August 1840. One year later, the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Lichfield.
The Church of England closed St John’s over a decade ago.
An Appeal for Photographs and Memories
North Staffordshire Heritage is seeking photographs of the church, both interior and exterior, before its closure.
If you have any photographs of the church and are willing to allow them to be copied, or if you wish to share your memories of worshipping at St John’s, please get in touch with northstaffordshireheritage@outlook.com
North Staffordshire Heritage 