All Saints’ Church, Hamer final service was like a bereavement says Church Warden

Photo: Scott Buckley

All Saints’ Church, Hamer

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The final service at All Saints’ Church, Hamer, attended by over 160 people on Sunday, was like a "bereavement", says Church Warden Henry Hope. 

Mr Hope said: “I have attended All Saints’ Church for over 45 years.

“We feel very sad about the proposed closure, which is still going through the final stages of the consultation process; it is like a bereavement in many ways.

“It is, however, necessary in our view and was only proposed after much discussion, prayer and listening to advice. The PCC then decided to explore the possibility of closing, with great reluctance.

“We are not certain right now where we will worship in the future. We will need to come to terms with the outcome of the consultation process and then think about our options.”

There were three ex-clergy, Canon Brian Cordingley, Rev Mike Jones and Rev Karen Smeeton, and many local churches supported the congregation at the final service.

Bishop Mark Davies was the President, Archdeacon Cherry Vann was the Preacher, Area Dean Mark Coleman read the Gospel and Rev Andrew Howell did the Intercessions.

Friends of St Edmund's Church said: “All Saint's Hamer held a rather wonderful farewell to a much-loved church this morning (Sunday, 6 August), packed to the rafters by supporting congregations from nearby churches, clergy past and present, some people with family connections to this special place, some with non, but nevertheless wanting to support them in what must be the hardest decision any congregation has to make, to give up your church.

“All Saints’ has served its community for now 151 years, sadly financial burdens and falling numbers have led to this decision.”

All Saints’ Church, Hamer on Foxholes Road, Rochdale is a Grade II listed Victorian church with steeple. The church was designed by the architect J Medland Taylor, and constructed in 1866.