Vicar’s altar mission

ON a mission . . . The Rev Nick Andrewes with the altar

IT’S out with the old and in with the new for an Oldham vicar who is on a mission to discover the puzzling origins of his altar.

The question has bugged The Rev Nick Andrewes since he joined St Paul’s Church in Ashton Road, Hathershaw, a year ago.

Handed over in 1923, a plaque on the 7ft-wide structure comemmorates Jonathan Scholes, who died on September 9, 1890, and his wife, Jane, who died on March 24, 1919.

It was given as a gift by the couple’s daughter and son-in-law, Miles and Annie Mills. However, with the changing times and the arrival of a new and updated altar in the late 1970s, the solid piece of church furniture has been consigned to a quiet corner ever since.

Mr Andrewes said: “It’s not been used for a while and it is a shame, plus we don’t have much room and we want to use the space to create a new soft play area for youngsters at the church.”

The plans are part of the church leader’s plan to make Sunday visits a family affair, with a play space and a baby-changing unit to boot.

He now wants to track down relatives of donors before giving it away to another church in need.

“We have no idea who the family is, but we’re hoping they still have relatives in the town. It would be lovely for them to get in touch.”

If you think you may know someone with information, or are a church member who may be able to rehome the altar, contact Mr Andrewes on 0161-624-1068.