St John the Baptist Church in Earlestown marked a huge milestone this August, celebrating 150 years since its foundation stone was laid on 4 August 1875.
The church was built to serve Earlestown’s growing population in the 1870s, when the area was experiencing significant expansion during the Victorian era.
Originally designed by architects Whalley and Fry to seat 900 people with a tower at an estimated cost of £16,000, financial constraints meant a smaller church seating 600 people was eventually consecrated on 6 January 1879. The church was later extended in 1925-26 by renowned Lancaster architects Austin and Paley, adding 90 extra seats and the base of a tower, though the tower was never completed.
The historic anniversary was commemorated with an extensive programme of events throughout August 2025, welcoming the local community to join in the celebrations.
This began with a celebration service and buffet lunch on Sunday, 3 August, followed by the official opening of the celebration garden.
On Monday, 4 August, the church held an open day, inviting everyone to come inside and take a look around at the church and some of its historic records.
A special LGN Choir Concert was held on Friday, 15 August, with an Activity Church session on Sunday, 17 August featuring crafts, games, singing and a free buffet lunch, followed by an evening worship celebration.
The LGN Choir perform at St John’s Church to mark their 150th anniversary.
And an Afternoon Tea event was completely sold out, with attendees enjoying wonderful food, plenty of cups of tea, chatter and friendship.
What a setting for afternoon tea!
There was also some wonderful musical entertainment from The Wild Rovers.
The Wild Rovers performed at the Church’s Afternoon Tea event
The celebrations concluded with a special Country Rock Gospel Concert with Jenny & Keith Raby on Friday, 26 September.
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