Heritage Open Day: St James Church

175 years old: St James Church

St James Church, Heywood opened its doors today for its first heritage open day. The church invited people in to look at its excellent features and to celebrate their 175 year anniversary.

Irene Gerrard, church warden, said: “It's about inviting people in to have a look at our church and to encourage people to come in.”

St James Parish Church opened in 1838 and is now the oldest church in Heywood. The church also houses the oldest pulpit in Heywood and has two war memorials on site.

Irene added: “It’s a memory thing I think, people can come and remember things to do with the church.”

Light refreshments were on offer in the church hall with a display of old photographs of the church.

“We still have a lot going on but it has dwindled down a little bit now,” said Irene.

As well as services, the church also hosts brownies, ladies group, mother and toddler group, bingo, coffee mornings and a parish lunch on their premises.

Irene added: “We just need people now.”

The church used to have a Sunday School but that closed after it merged with another Sunday school.

St James Parish Church is located on Tower Street, Heywood.