A VICTORIAN church which has been described as one of Bournemouth’s hidden treasures is inviting the public in for a special event.

St John’s Church, in Surrey Road, Westbourne, dates from the end of the 19th century.

It boasts magnificent stained glass windows, a three-manual pipe organ by Lewis, a rare carillon which rings hymn tunes on eight bells, fine Art Nouveau wall pictures and mosaics made from semi-precious stones, as well as modern embroidered banners by a local artist.

Richard Samuel, a member of the congregation, said: “This church is hidden behind large trees in Surrey Road, and many people are not aware of its existence, but it is a beautiful small Victorian church with outstanding features.

“The church is usually locked except during services, but on Saturday, October 10, 2-5pm, we are opening the church from 2-7pm and there will be people on hand to show visitors round and talk about all the features and activities of the church.”

Building of St John the Evangelist began in 1889 on a site donated by Miss Durrant, owner of the Branksome Estate, who also paid for much of the work.

The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester in November 1898 but its tower was not completed in 1905-06. It is a “broach tower”, where a square tower leads to an octagonal spire, and is unusual for this part of the country.

The first bell was installed in 1898 but the other seven were not installed until 1906.

The first stained glass was installed in 1899, in memory of a young soldier who died on active service. The theme for all the windows in the church is the Te Deum.

The west windows, built by Messrs James Powell in 1910, are almost exact replicas of a window in Liverpool Cathedral by the same firm. The church has tiles and mosaics laid into the floor and walls of the chancel and chapel.

St John’s parish was amalgamated with St Michael’s in 1983-84 – and the parish is unusual in having no pubs within its boundaries.

Next Saturday’s event also includes information about cubs scouts, beavers and brownies; the church’s music and choir; weddings; messy church; the foodbank; knit and natter, and more. there will be tea, cakes and Fairtrade goods for sale.