Our Story

St John’s, Upper Holloway, has stood at the heart of this community since 1828. Established to serve a growing population, it was the first district parish created within the parish of Islington. For nearly 200 years, it has been a place of worship, community, and mission—welcoming generations through its doors.

The church was planted under the leadership of Daniel Wilson, Vicar of Islington (1824–1832), who initiated its construction to serve the expanding community of Upper Holloway. Wilson was a leading figure in the Church Missionary Society and a passionate advocate for church planting. His commitment continued through St John’s, which later played a key role in establishing other churches in the area, such as St Andrew’s, Whitehall Park (1887), and St Stephen’s, Elthorne Road (1877).

As the area grew, St John’s served as the mother church for several new parishes. Over time, St Mark’s, St Mary’s, and St Saviour’s were also established out of what was once a much larger parish of St John’s, reflecting its long history of mission and growth in Upper Holloway.

Among its notable historical figures, Henry Venn, a leader in the evangelical movement and a key figure in the Church Missionary Society, served as Vicar of St John’s. His son, John Venn, became a renowned mathematician and logician, best known for pioneering the Venn diagram—which we’re rather fond of using on the odd occasion!

Architecturally, St John’s holds a unique place in London’s church history. Our pews? They’re not just any pews—they were designed by Sir Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament. The church has also been home to significant monuments, including those of Ann Sykes (d.1835) and her daughter Martha Venn (d.1840), which feature sculpted figures of Faith and Charity by Peter Rouw.

Throughout its history, St John’s has been a beacon of hope in Upper Holloway—serving those in need, sharing the gospel, and creating a community where people can belong. Now, as we step into a new faith adventure, we are excited for what God has in store.