The congregation of St John the Evangelist, Middlesbrough, are marking the church’s 150th anniversary with a summer of celebratory events.
On Saturday 20th June there is an open day from 10am to 5pm exploring the history of the church, with flowers, entertainment and refreshments. On Sunday 21st June there will be a Sung Mass of Thanksgiving for the Anniversary at 6pm, with the Rt Revd Gordon Bates, retired Bishop of Whitby.
On Friday 3rd July there will be a concert by the Harrison Singers at 7.30pm, and on Sunday 12th July a celebration lunch at the Riverside Football Stadium at 1pm.
The Revd Stephen Cooper, vicar of St John the Evangelist said, “St John the Evangelist has been at the heart of South Bank for the past 150 years, and the church is still going strong! The building was constructed by John Norton in 1863 to 1865, and the tower was added eighteen years later. I’ve been at St John’s for the past ten years, which seems like quite a while, but is really only a fraction of the life of this wonderful community.
“We’re now linked to St Columba’s church in Canon Park, and together the two churches make a great difference to their communities. As well as welcoming people in for weddings, baptisms and funerals, we run a drop-in centre for those on the edge of society and provide a listening ear to vulnerable young adults. As we celebrate this anniversary, we give thanks to God for the last 150 years, and pray we will serve our community for another 150 years to come.”