St John's Church, Wigan

St John’s Church stands in Standishgate, Wigan, a Roman Catholic church built in 1819. It sits within 200 feet of St Mary’s, another Catholic church, and both were completed in the same year during a friendly rivalry between the Society of Jesus and the diocesan priests. The church was designed by Joseph John Scoles, who also created its sanctuary. It became a Grade II* listed building and was originally run by the Jesuits before being handed to the Archdiocese of Liverpool in 1933. The church’s history begins with Fr Charles Brockholes SJ, who arrived in Wigan in 1740 and built a house with an upstairs chapel. The church replaced an earlier chapel after the Catholic population grew in the early 19th century. Construction began in 1818 on land behind the old chapel, and the new church opened the following year. It cost £9,000 and could hold 1,000 worshippers, with an organ gallery for parishioners. Over time, the interior was decorated again in 1849 at a cost of £400. The church has two Sunday Masses, one at 5:00pm on Saturday and another at 11:00am on Sunday, avoiding clashes with St Mary’s. Since 2018, it has been part of St William’s parish. Inside, the church features a sanctuary designed by Joseph John Scoles, reflecting its Catholic heritage. The building’s interior was enhanced in the 19th century, adding to its historic character. Nearby, the original Jesuit house still stands, with a priest hiding hole above a fireplace. The church’s location in Standishgate makes it easy to visit alongside St Mary’s. Its architecture and history offer a glimpse into Wigan’s Catholic past. The church remains an active place of worship today.