Service marks church’s century

A CLARKSFIELD church has celebrated its centenary with a special service.

The Archdeacon of Rochdale, the Ven Cherry Vann, led the occasion at St Barnabas, Arundel Lane, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham and MP Debbie Abrahams.

Norman Hill, the son of the first couple to be married in the church, was also among the worshippers.

The roots of St Barnabas date to 1870 when the curate of St James’s Church was told to hold cottage meetings in the parish. Regular evening and Sunday services became established, along with a Sunday School. St Barnabas Mission Church opened in Back Marsh Street in June, 1884.

The service was part of a series of events to mark the church’s centenary which include a fair and birthday party for its uniformed organisations.

Team vicar the Rev Dr Paul Monk said it went very well and added: “We had a very full congregation and refreshments afterwards. People obviously enjoyed it and it was an opportunity to meet old friends.

“The church has a proud history and we are now entering a new phase of that.”