The following text is a brief summary of Richard Turner’s excellent book on the history of St John’s church, which was published in 1985.

The land that the church sits on was donated in 1843 by James Micklethwaite, who lived in Hopton Hall at the time. Plans were made during 1844 and the foundation stone laid in December of that year. The building was consecrated for divine worship on October 21st 1846.

It was established as an “Ecclesiastical District” and as such was not a separate parish. The curate, George Kerr, reported to the Anglican parish of Mirfield, under the control of Revd. Ralph Maude. Only in 1860 did the parish of Upper Hopton come into being.

The building cost a mere £1200 to build, although it was 50% over budget! It didn’t contain any pews when it opened, never mind luxuries such as an organ, a clock or stained glass windows.

These were added as and when funds could be raised, the latest being the Millennium Window, a modern stained glass window in keeping with the rest of the church’s style.

The style of architecture is deceptive as the building was intended to blend well with the neighbouring Hopton Hall, and thus it takes on the appearance of a 15th century church. The interior fittings also carry on this illusion, with many later additions appearing like they’ve been there for centuries.

The first priest, George Kerr, ministered from 1846 to 1891 and the East window and reredos behind the atlar are memorials to his work here. It was then that Francis Oliphant became vicar, who instigated many improvements, including the provision of a pipe organ and further stained glass windows.

In 1904, the churchyard was extended up to where the archway now stands. The section above the arch was given by Charles Sutcliffe in 1930 with Croft House and its grounds given by him on his death in 1948

The paintings in the chancel date from 1900-1916. The pews are from 1926, the lych gate appeared in 1949 and the clock didn’t arrive until 1953.

The organ was built in 1893 and cost £211-15s including the organist’s bench. It was heavily re-built in 1981 and dedicated to Harold Myers, vicar from 1932 to 1968.