The High Altar is the focal point of the St John's and the architecture of the church leads the eye towards the altar where the Eucharist is celebrated.

On Sundays the six large candlesticks and cross stand behind the altar.  These were given by Martin Olivier in memory of his mother, Gertrude, widow of Canon Olivier who had been Vicar of St John’s from 1919 to 1936.

Originally a carpet would have run up the stairs to the altar and we hope to raise funds to have an appropriate carpet fitted once more.

Some of the embroidered altar frontals are original Bodley designs, and were made by Watts and Co of London – Bodley's own Company. The White Frontal (shown on the altar above) was recently restored by Tine Rumble and a new superfrontal designed in sympathy with the frontal by Piers Northam. 

Some of our vestments - including a cope - were also designed by Bodley and we have restored the Bodley white chasuble, but we also own a cope designed by Bodley.

The reredos, a magnificent carved and painted Triptych, was designed by Bodley's partner, Charles Hare. It was completed in 1909.  The central panel shows Our Lord in glory above a representation of the Institution of the Eucharist (shown).  To the left, the Annunciation (also shown) and the Resurrection and to the right, Our Lord's Baptism and the Ascension.  The Triptych is closed during Lent.

Above the Reredos is the East Window, designed by Charles Hare.

The Choir Stalls were not original to the church but were put in at some point before 1920.  Light fittings, designed by Piers Northam and given by the Coote family in memory of Denis Coote (sometime Churchwarden) were added in 2002.