The original St Peter’s church was opened on 6th September 1824. It was a ‘Waterloo’ or ‘Million Pound Fund’ church—built after the victory at Waterloo and paid for by a fund allocated by the government for the purpose of increasing church attendance across the UK. St Peter’s church congregation is now worshipping in the third St Peter’s church: the first church burned down in 1911, and the rebuilt second church was eventually closed in 2001 after it became structurally unsound, and was demolished in 2014.
It is a privilege that this month we can celebrate two centuries of worship in the different St Peter’s churches in Stanley and we want to give thanks for every-one who has been involved in its history over the years. We remember everyone who has had weddings, baptisms and funerals, and everyone who has attended church services, community groups and social events.
We hope that as many people as possible can join us at some point over the weekend. Here are the events that will be taking place:
Friday 6th September at 7pm
A short outdoor service on the old church site to give thanks for our churches through the years, followed by refreshments.
Saturday 7th September 10am—3pm
Flower festival and exhibition in St Peter’s church with photos, memorabilia, films etc. Refreshments will be available. SRG will be leading some heritage walks during the morning from 11am to Bottomboat, Stanley Ferry and Hatfield Hall. We will also be unveiling our refurbished painted window and our new wall hanging which has been created by the Knit & Natter group. We will also have a commemorative booklet available which sets out the history about the church as well as some reflections and memories from church members.
Please note that Flower arrangements are very welcome and can be brought in to church on the Friday.
Sunday 8th September at 10am
The Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, will be leading our special service and will dedicate the window and wall hanging. There will be a light lunch afterwards. The exhibition will be open again until 3pm.
