Sat-nav users: our postcode is TQ2 7HP.
From the M5, heading south-west: Continue on the M5 until it splits into the A30 and the A38. As the motorway ends, take one of the two right lanes, onto the A38. Continue for about five miles to the point where the road splits into the A38 and A380. Take one of the left lanes for the A380, and climb Telegraph Hill. Continue on the A380 for about eight miles, over the River Teign, until you reach the Pen Inn Roundabout. Take the left or centre lanes for straight on.
From the Pen Inn Roundabout: Take the A380, heading south to Torquay. Follow the main road for about four miles, and as you approach the Riviera Roundabout, take the left lane for straight on.
From the Riviera Roundabout: Take the A3022 dual carriageway to Torquay. Immediately move over to the right lane and at the traffic lights, take the right turn, over the railway, into Newton Road. At the first mini-roundabout, turn right into Cadewell Lane, towards Torbay Hospital. Follow the road round, past the entrance to the hospital on your left. Proceed up the hill about a quarter of a mile, past the Spar shop, and St John's is on your left. Welcome!
The Building
The older part of the Church was built of local red sandstone in 1896 by William Kitson, and opened in 1897. The church was looked after by the Vicar of Coffinswell from that date until 1928, when it was handed over to the parish of St Marychurch.
After World War 2, the area saw substantial growth in residential development. The Church was much enlarged with red brickwork to match the original sandstone, and the new building was consecrated in December 1956, whereupon Shiphay was declared a parish. The pipe organ was installed in 1963.
There is a modest car park adjoining the Church.
The Interior
We have endeavoured to make St John's a place of welcome. The interior of the Church is light and airy. We do not have a rood screen or any fixed pews; the seating can be re-configured according to the needs of each Service. We have an upstairs room which is used for a variety of meetings.
There is a modern sound system, a hearing-aid induction loop and a computer-driven projector for worship songs. There are ramps for wheelchair access.
There is a very fine wood-carving of the Last Supper. Do please take the time to appreciate it.
Music
Diversity of music at St John's is a major feature of our activities. We have a band which includes piano, keyboard, guitars, flutes, clarinets and drums, plus the organ.
The Organ
The two-manual organ is by Brindley & Foster, dating from 1888. It was originally installed in Long Eaton Methodist Church in Derbyshire, and was installed in St John's in 1963 by Henry Willis & Sons Ltd. Extra ranks (Swell Contra Oboe 16' and Pedal Open Diapason 8') were added when the instrument was installed in St John's. The console is detatched, with concave radiating pedalboard. The National Pipe Organ Register reference is N13655.
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| Great | Swell | Pedal |
| Open Diapason 8 | Stopped Diapason 8 | Resultant Bass 32 |
| Stopped Diapason 8 | Gedackt 8 | Major Bass 16 |
| Duciana 8 | Viol da gamba 8 | Bourdon 16 |
| Nason Flute 4 | Fugara 4 | Open Diapason 8 |
| Principal 4 | Mixture 15.19.22 | Bourdon 8 |
| Mixture 12.15 | Trumpet 8 | Bourdon 4 |
| Contra Oboe 16 | Contra Oboe 16 |
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