St John the Baptist's Church

St John the Baptist’s Church stands on Station Road in Old Colwyn, a small town in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It belongs to the Aled Mission Area and sits within the diocese of St Asaph. Built as a daughter church of St Catherine’s, it was designed for the English-speaking community when services at St Catherine’s were held in Welsh. The Chester firm of Douglas and Minshull created the design, and Mrs Eleanor Frost laid the foundation stone in 1899. She also funded many of the church furnishings, including the reredos, altar, rails, screen and pulpit. The tower was added in 1912 after the death of John Douglas, when the firm became Douglas, Minshull and Muspratt. The church is a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its architectural importance. Its external walls are made of local Penmaen limestone with Hollington sandstone dressings, while the internal walls are in ashlar Hollington sandstone. The tower stands at the west end, and the roof features a double hammerbeam style. One of the windows in the south aisle contains stained glass by Charles Kempe. The entrance gate to the churchyard is itself a Grade II listed building. Inside, visitors find a space shaped by its history and craftsmanship. The furnishings reflect the generosity of Mrs Eleanor Frost, who ensured the church was fully equipped for worship. The stained glass and stonework show the skill of Charles Kempe and the architects Douglas and Minshull. The churchyard gate adds a small but notable feature to the surroundings. The building remains a quiet but significant presence in Old Colwyn.