Church celebrates 175th birthday

The members of the congregation who helped to organise the anniversary concert

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The congregation of St Clement’s Church in Spotland have enjoyed a weekend of celebrations to mark the Church’s 175th birthday.

On Saturday (20 November 2010) night Church goers enjoyed a special anniversary concert.

Guests were entertained by a variety of performers including Elaine Marsden on the piano, vocalist Joe Faulkner and a special guest appearance of ‘Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.’

On Sunday (21 November 2010) the congregation took part in a service of celebration to mark the 175th anniversary of the church led by the Rt. Rev Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester.

Church Warden Rita Wild, described the weekend as “wonderful.”

Speaking about the anniversary concert Ms Wild said: “It was very good. Roughly about 80 people came along and they all thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On the night we raised about £400 which we be put into Church funds.”

A further £400 was also raised on gift day at St Clement’s on Sunday.

“The celebration service went very well,” said Ms Wild, “We had a nice cross section of people and various representatives. It was a very happy service and everyone really enjoyed the Bishop of Manchester being there.

“It was interesting looking at times gone past and looking forward to the future.”

The Bishop of Manchester dedicated a photograph of St Clement’s which was taken in the 1920’s and is the oldest photograph the Church has. This will now hang in the chapel.

A special anniversary booklet was posted through the doors of nearby houses giving a detailed and photographic history of the church.

Reverend Lynne Connolly, who was the Church’s priest until earlier this year, wrote: “There are so many good things to remember and too little space to write about them. So much was done and achieved. Many strong foundations were laid and still, I hear, continue to be built upon.

“In all this it is the people that make the Church and at St Clement’s there are so many people who work tirelessly, and are always there to offer a welcome to everyone who steps over the threshold and are willing to embrace and carry the baton of the gospel and run the race that is set before you in faith and hope and love; to continue to be God’s anchor in the community bringing Christ’s love to all

“Have a wonderful anniversary year.”

The Church is selling a commemorative candle and a recipe book, priced at £2.50 each, to mark the 175th anniversary.