Church events to celebrate 150-year anniversary

Before St James's Church was built, people met in the upper rooms of two hired cottages to worship

A church is marking 150 years of services with a series of events.

The foundation stone for St James's Blackburn was laid on 28 June 1873 for the church and adjoining school.

Events this weekend include an afternoon tea, the planting of a commemorative oak tree in the grounds, an open day and a special Sunday service.

The vicar, Reverend Sarah Gill, said: "It's a big weekend for us."

"St James has served the people of Blackburn and shared the gospel message for 150 years and we want mark this important milestone well," she said.

"We will welcome the bishop, mayor, current and past members of St James and many more to our Sunday anniversary service.

"After the service, we will serve lunch and all are most welcome to join us."

Reverend Sarah Gill said it was a "big weekend" for the parish

The site for the "church on the hill" on St James's Road was used to dig clay bricks until a Mr W. T. Carr, barrister, donated the land for a new church to be built.

The main church building was completed in 1874 at a cost of around £4,200, but it was not until a further 29 years that a tower was added.

Before St James's Church was built, people who had moved out from the town centre and wanted to have their own local church, met in the upper rooms of two hired cottages to worship.

After this anniversary weekend, more events will be planned for later in the year.