HUNCOAT’S Anglican church is to celebrate its centenary this month.
St Augustine’s Church, on Bolton Avenue was consecrated by Bishop Knox of Manchester on 29 November 1909.
Built of stone, with stone walls left bare in the interior, a lofty nave, and woodwork of oak - the church was declared a beautiful building, and the Bishop acknowledged the many difficulties that had been overcome in order to build it.
Now a 100 years on and the fabric of the church remains largely the same, with its golden stone interior creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Further improvements with the addition of disabled access, toilet facilities and a kitchen area, with a recently refurbished and modern vestry - means that the church meets the needs of the 21st century.
The church is the hub of the local community - with services held at 8.30am and 10.00am on Sunday and also 9.30am on Friday mornings.
Mums and toddlers meet on Wednesday mornings, and the increasingly popular Play and Praise takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm where families can get together for a short period of worship, followed by the chance to socialise with others over a coffee or a snack, or a game of pool.
The church is available for community use, with the vestry or the church itself being used by various groups.
Large functions are held in the church itself, such as the recent Big Band Night.
The Church community will ow celebrate the Centenary with a celebration eucharist led by Canon Michael Manley, a former curate of the parish on Sunday 29 November.
There will also be a Songs of Praise at 6.30pm when the Mayor and Mayoress will attend.
Everyone is welcome.
