St John Town Centre Church

St Johns was the 1st Parish Church of the town of Southend-on-Sea. It played - and still plays - an important role in the life of the town. Famous local dignitaries who worshipped here include James Heygate, major landowner of early Southend and pillar of the old Local Board; James Brightwell, the town's 3rd mayor and churchwarden for thirty five years until 1925; Robert Jones Southend's greatest benefactor (the Jones Memorial Recreation Ground, Prittlewell Priory and Park and the Victory Sports Ground are amongst his presents) and Cecil Jones, Robert's son.