History

In 1829, Col. & Mrs Beaumont of Bretton Hall donated an acre and half of land for the purpose of erecting this church and burial ground. 

The foundation stone for this church was laid on 5 Mar 1830 by the Rev. Heald of Birstall. The matter was not reported on in the local newspapers other than a quick mention and with very scant detail. The land on which it was to be located had been donated by Colonel & Mrs Beaumont and the architect was a Mr. Peter Atkinson. The Rev. Hammond Roberson from Liversedge delivered the service.

George Roberts, a local stone mason, was contracted to do the building work.

The Rev. John Seaton, who had previously been curate at Christ Church, Liversedge became the first vicar at St. John and who held this position for the next 44 years.

In 1887, among other alterations, was a memorial stained-glass window ordered from Messrs. Mayer & Co., Munich. The window will be third window from the east end of the south aisle.

In 1888 a new font was given to the church by Henry & Mary Ellen Yates, in memory of their child Mary Birkby Yates.

On 21 Jul 1892 a special service was held at the church, at which the Bishop of Wakefield preached, for the dedication of three stained-glass windows, given by representatives of the late Thomas Williamson, David Fox and William Birkhead Birkby, of Cleckheaton.

On 19 Sep 1897 a new stained-glass window was dedicated to the memory of the late Joseph Blacker Bennett, surgeon, who for thirty years practised in Cleckheaton.

Jun 1907 - The churchwardens at St. John's appoint George Robinson as choirmaster at a salary of £10 per annum.

More information will be added in due course...