A church in Durham Diocese has joined together with its community for a unique double celebration.
St John the Baptist Church in Egglescliffe hosted an open air service to commemorate 200 years of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and also to celebrate over 2,000 years of Jesus.
A total of 53 people turned out for the special service, which took place in glorious sunshine, on Sunday 7 September.
“It was a lovely day,” said the Revd Sylvia Wilson, who led the service. “There was a bit of wind which provided a challenge for our candles, but we had a wonderful time of celebration together. The turnout was excellent and it was great to join with the community.”
The open air service gave thanks for the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which celebrates its bicentenary this month. In 1825, it became the world’s first public steam railway, using George Stephenson’s Locomotion No. 1 to transport both freight and passengers.
The service was followed by a separate, secular event which took place in the village to mark the railway’s bicentenary, later the same day, organised by the Egglescliffe Area Residents’ Association (EARA).
Sylvia said it was also an ideal opportunity to give thanks for over 2,000 years of Jesus, with music and even a rousing puppet show as part of the service.
A tradition is adhered to at St John’s on the first Sunday of each month. Over a three month period, people are welcomed, baptised and anointed.
“People are at different stages,” explained Sylvia. “But it all happens on the first Sunday of every month. At this particular service, people were welcomed and people were anointed.”
Sylvia, who previously served as parish priest for seven years, is now retired with PTO and continues to support St John’s alongside fellow retired clergy, the Revd Ian Crofts and the Revd John Greenwood.
The church, which regularly welcomes a congregation of between 50 and 60 people, occasionally hosts open air services, including Harvest Festivals.
On Sunday (14 September), a licensing service took place at St John’s for new vicar, the Revd Nigel Sinclair.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming Nigel,” said Sylvia. “I am very excited to see what God wants to do here.”