All Saints’ Church in Holbeach has launched its 800th anniversary celebrations.
It held a special Candlemas service on Sunday, February 2, led by Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain.
It was in 1225 that the then Bishop Hugh of Wells licensed the first priest in Holbeach.
And last Sunday’s service was the first of numerous events throughout the year.
It finished with a birthday cake and Prosecco.
“We began with Candlemas because it is symbolic of the time when we take the light of Christ into the world and recognising that we shall begin taking that light into our communities,” said Priest in Charge of All Saints’, the Rev Sherine Angus. “We are planning a year of celebrations to highlight the role of the church within the town, aiming to attract as many people as possible with a range of activities and events.
“Throughout the year we will be hosting theatre productions, big swing bands, a school’s music concert, organ recitals, craft days, a harvest and produce festival, a music event with Lincoln Cathedral, a history project exploring the history of All Saints’ and many other events.”
The service saw parishioners also get their first taste of a new Transported Arts project being run in collaboration with the church.
Its Stories of Light is open to all and involves the creation of ceramic lanterns with artist Marion Sander.
“These lanterns will return to the church at the end of the year, symbolising the light of Christ and the journey of our celebrations,” a spokesman for the church said, adding there were many exciting events planned throughout this milestone year.
“The Candlemas celebration was a truly special occasion, filled with worship, community, and, of course, plenty of delicious cake and Prosecco – which proved very popular!”
The next event for the 800th celebrations will be an organ recital with John Lyon, usually the organist at the Boston Stump, on Saturday, February 15, at 1.30pm.
It will be followed by a schools music concert involving pupils from William Stukeley Primary School, Holbeach Primary Academy and University Academy Holbeach at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 11.
A full list of events is available at https://allsaints
holbeach.org.uk/ash800/
