About Us

St John's, Bishopsteignton is one of eight Anglican churches in the Haldon Mission Community. St John's Church is a Grade I listed building of outstanding historical significance and has stood at the heart of Bishopsteignton for many centuries. Parts of the present building date back to the 12th century, including the west nave doorway and the remarkable Norman magi tympanum above the former south door. The church was enlarged during the 15th century, underwent substantial rebuilding in the 19th century, and was thoughtfully reordered in 2011. Visitors can also enjoy its beautiful stained-glass windows and peaceful atmosphere.

The surrounding churchyard tells the story of the village through the generations. Among its ancient graves are victims of the plague, admirals who served under Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars, and Commonwealth war graves, making it an important place of both local and national heritage.

Today, St John’s remains a vibrant centre of village life. It continues to host regular worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals, while remaining open each day for quiet prayer and reflection. Bishopsteignton Primary School regularly visits for educational visits and seasonal performances.

The removal of the pews in 2025 has transformed the building into a flexible community space. It now hosts concerts, talks, historical presentations, art exhibitions and productions by the Bishopsteignton Players. The church is also home to a thriving bell-ringing team, whose refurbished bells attract visiting ringers from across the county. Coffee mornings provide hospitality and a warm welcome throughout the year, and the building has been identified by the Bishopsteignton Emergency Resilience Team (BERT) as a community hub in the event of a local emergency.

Although the churchyard is now closed for new burials, it continues to serve the community through its Quiet Garden, Garden of Rest and growing biodiversity. Recently installed swift nesting boxes are helping to support local wildlife, demonstrating the church’s commitment to caring for God’s creation alongside its care for people.

St John’s has benefited from grants from the Devon Historic Churches Trust and from the generosity of those who have remembered the church through legacies. These gifts help preserve this remarkable building so that it can continue serving both the parish and the wider community for generations to come.