History of our Church

History of the Church of St John the Divine (Tidbury Green)

 The church of St John the Divine was established as a “mission church” for the outlying rural  areas of Shirley, particularly Major’s Green and Tidbury Green. The building itself is wooden in structure and is said to have been a World War I Army Hut. It was dedicated as a church building on 23 May 1925. Like all buildings St John’s too had extensions built on, namely the porch entrance used as a cloakroom, a small lean-to kitchen at the rear of the building and a small bell tower which houses ONE bell.

 St John's has always been linked to St James' in Shirley sharing their Vicars and curates for their services.  During the 50's, 60's and early 70's it was well attended and held a regular Sunday School for the local community.  The building was also used as a social centre.  However, during the 80's thorugh dwindling attendance and economic costs the church was closed in 1983 but in 1986 re-opened again through the foresight of Reverend Warwick Whelan to introduce a Team Ministry into the Parish of Shirley.  Tidbury Green Private Nursery shared the premises with St John's and this relationship has continued to the present time.   As the Nursery increased in size they moved out of the church building itself and into their own premises.