St John the Baptist Church is a small, but much loved Church, built in 1868 and used continuously for worship since then. It was built as a chapel-of-ease in the parish of Catton with Stamford Bridge and Scoreby, designed by G. Fowler Jones in early English style. Built of yellow sandstone with limestone dressings, it has a vestry and porch on the northern side. 

Its designation changed to Parish Church of Stamford Bridge with Catton and Scoreby in 1957.

Whilst it may appear that the Church can be taken in with one sweeping glance, it is worth taking time to look at some of the furnishings and artifacts and taking a stroll through the churchyard. The Church is usually open daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm for your own quiet reflection and prayer.   

The entrance to Church of St John the Baptist is by the porch in the South west corner of the Church. There is small stained glass window in the porch depicting the fish, an important Christian symbol.  Through the fine old double doors is the Baptistry with the Font and the Welcome Table. Notice boards are decorated with work from our children and youth groups as well as activities and matters of interest to our Church family and our warmly welcome visitors.  Situated in its traditional place on the west wall near the entrance to the Church, the Font for St John’s is of wood and was carved for the Church by Don Walton, a local craftsman.  The bowl for the water was made by a local potter.   Immediately above the baptistry is the mezzanine gallery reached by a staircase. This is where the organ is played and provides space for a number of activities as well as overflow seating for large services. Looking to the left, the expanse of the Nave spreads out.    

The kneelers placed between the pinewood pews were made by members of the congregation, some as memorials of important dates and events in their lives and others of favourite designs.   

Looking up from the aisle is the Sanctuary Cross hanging from the Chancel Arch, denoting the change from Nave and Chancel towards the Sanctuary.      

The Mothers’ Union banner is permanently out. You will see that at the time it was made Catton was the parish church and Stamford Bridge was the chapel of ease.   Other banners are on display, which change from time to time. They are the work of some of our congregation, as well as our many children and Youth Groups, all of which meet weekly and are very well supported.     As well as those meeting through the week, the regular Sunday School group meets during the 10.30am service on the second and forth Sundays.  

From the Chancel beyond the pews, the priest leads prayers and preaches the sermon. It is home to a large wooden lectern facing the Nave on the left side.  On the right is the Priest’s Stall, used by the Priest to kneel or sit to lead prayers during the service. 

During services, the Chancel Arch is adorned with two carvings donated as a memorial to a loved one by a member of the congregation. A matching carving is displayed at all times on the north wall of the Nave, near the door.   
 

Beyond the Chancel Arch, the Altar Rail divides the Chancel from the Sanctuary, which is  the wood-panelled, raised area housing the Aumbry, Bishop’s Throne, Altar and Reredos.  The cushioned kneeling step on the Chancel side of the Altar rail is for communicants to receive Communion or a blessing. The Sanctuary chairs and tables were carved and contributed by a local person who also made the Font.  

The stained glass East Windows above the Reredos date from the building of the Church in 1868.  They are of good quality Victorian stained glass, but the artist who designed and produced them is, to date, unknown.  The glass has no discernible mark or signature to identify it.  However, York has long been recognized as a notable centre for stained glass artistry.  Because Stamford Bridge is located at an important and historic crossing point of the River Derwent, the three figures depicted in the windows have a highly appropriate association with rivers, floods and water crossings.  The figure on the left is Noah, of flood and ark fame. He is shown as holding the dove with the olive branch and on the right is Moses, seen with his staff which he used to part the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape bondage in Egypt. The roundel above is of a dove descending. This is traditionally the design used to depict God the Holy Spirit.  This also relates to the central window showing the Church’s patron saint, St John the Baptist, who baptised Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.   

The belfry contains 2 bells, cast in the 19th Century by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough.  They are good quality and well tuned.  The bell ropes are in the Vestry.  

The Church was built on land belonging to Lord Leconfield, partly financed by C. A. Darley of Burtonfield Hall in Stamford Bridge, with the remaining funds being raised by public donation.  The Churchyard has been in use since the Church was built and is now nearly full.  A small memorial rose garden is planned on the south side of the Church.  

A recent addition has been the replacement of the derelict Boiler House at the east end of the Church with a much needed toilet block, suitably adapted for disabled people.  

Load map in Google Maps