The Anniversary Cross

Commemorating 50 Years

The Anniversary Cross is located on the north wall of St John’s Church. It commemorates 50 years of church life following a tragic and devastating fire where much of St John’s was destroyed.

The Anniversary Cross

From Tragedy To Transformation

The Anniversary Cross was created in 2002 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St. John’s Church being re-opened in 1952 after the fire that had destroyed so much of its interior in 1949. It was only through the hard work and commitment of the church members of the time that the church was totally refurbished and transformed.

The Revd Dr Rowan Williams (former Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Monmouth) wrote these words:

“There is always something very special about a church that shows in its very fabric the experience of death and resurrection.

St. John’s, with its spacious and graceful proportions, is much loved as a building, but part of its atmosphere is also surely the knowledge that it has risen from the ashes of the disaster of 1949.”

Archbishop Rowan officiated at the service of Thanksgiving, Holy Eucharist and Blessing of the 50th Anniversary Cross on Sunday 29th September 2002.