On Sunday 10th December St James’ Church Audus Street, Selby invited all to attend a service of celebration to mark the 150th Jubilee of the church’s opening.
The Bishop of Selby, Dr John Thomson said: “150 years of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Selby is indeed something to celebrate. A great vision which continues today and with God’s help will continue into the future. Congratulations to St James.”
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, joined in the celebration as the guest speaker, following in one of his predecessors’ footsteps as it was the then Archbishop of York, William Thomson, who consecrated St James’ on 11th December 1867.
Archbishop Sentamu said “Selby has such a rich heritage of Christian worship, witness and service over many centuries. To the wonderful community here at St James’ I will be saying 150 – keep batting!”
St James’ was paid for and designed by local Christian philanthropist James Audus who wanted to see a church in Selby that welcomed all local people, rich and poor alike. This ambition remains true today and St James’ congregation is a mix of ages and backgrounds, offering a warm welcome to all.
This special service celebrating the anniversary of St James’ consecration followed on from a week of events in July to mark the Jubilee year, which ended with a free FUN-BBQ featuring Warren ‘Ace’ Furman from ITV’s Gladiators.
The Revd Jason Reid, vicar of St. James’, said, “St James’ is a Selby town-centre church built with a vision to serve local people. That vision has not changed over 150 years.”