A SERIES of spiritual events are to make up a year-long celebration of the 800th anniversary of Saddleworth St Chad’s Church.
The present Parish Church was built in 1215, when it was the only church in Saddleworth, and worship at the site has stood the test of time for centuries.
And to kickstart the anniversary celebrations, a unique Eucharist was held on March 1, bringing together all congregations from Anglican churches in the area for the first time.
Church banners were processed into St Chad’s for the service, which included a Psalm specially composed by local Gail Randall and readings from young people of the team.
The Rt. Revd Dr David S Walker, The Bishop of Manchester, presided and preached at the service and in his sermon he challenged the congregation to think of new ideas for the church.
Bishop David, who was born in Mossley, asked: “What can we do in this church that will be bold, innovative and daring?
“Having an old building is not a reason for doing everything in an old fashioned way.
“It’s actually an impetus of doing things a more modern building may not have the character to carry off.
“Old church buildings provide a perfect context for daring art displays, musical concerts and dramatic performances.
“For example, Manchester Cathedral speaks as much and as loudly of the love of God when we’ve hundreds of people dining in it as when it’s set out for Evensong.”
And he reminded the congregation: “What we are celebrating today is the persistence of the Christian Faith in giving meaning, purpose, love and hope to the lives of Saddleworth people from as far back as when the notorious King John was on the throne of England and the ink was still wet on the Magna Carta.
“For 800 years Christians have gathered and worshipped in Saddleworth and the culture of the villages is firmly rooted in both the faith and its practice.”
(Picture gallery thanks to Jane McCann)
Meanwhile, ambitious plans are underway to host a pilgrimage from Saddleworth to Lichfield over ten stages during spring and summer to mark the church’s momentous year.
The first is a nine-mile walk from Uppermill to Ashton on Saturday, March 28, beginning at St Chad’s Church at 10am and visiting Kilngreen Church, Diggle, and St Chad’s Parish Centre, Uppermill, via the canal towpath.
Meantime, a 3ft high brass Celtic Cross has been placed inside St Chad’s Church on the north wall as a lasting memorial.
A new ‘Book of Remembrance’ has been launched to include inscriptions of anyone who lived in the parish, whose funeral was held in the parish or who was a regular worshiper at St Chad Church, St Chad’s Parish Centre or Kilngreen Diggle.
A ‘The New History of Saddleworth Church’ is being completed, which will be dedicated to distinguished local historian and author Alan Petford who died in February.
And a sparkling new real ale has been created by The Church Inn, just a few yards from the Church, to celebrate the anniversary.
Landlady Christine Taylor said: “Customers said it was heavenly. Its brewed to an old Yorkshire ale recipe from an ex brewer from Halifax in 1994. We had saved the brew for a special occasion and thought this was fitting.”
For more information or to make a donation to the church, contact the Saddleworth Team office: by calling 01457 879977 or email: office@saddleworthteam-cofe.org.uk
You can also see more information and photos on the Saddleworth St Chad Parish Facebook page.
For further information about the pilgrimage, call Jim Hall: 01457 877188. A full colour leaflet of the pilgrimage is available.
Parishioners interested in helping with the anniversary events should contact committee members: Tracy Waller: 01457 874770, Lily Hopkinson: 01457 873745 or Barbara Hodgson: 01457 870185.
You must be logged in to post a comment.