All Saints Church, Holbeach celebrates 800-year birthday with service and events

Prosecco and cake were served at a special service to celebrate a church’s 800th birthday over the weekend.

All Saints Church in Holbeach has played an important part in the community ever since the Bishop of Lincoln, Hugh of Wells, licensed the first priest in 1225.

The Rt Rev Nicholas, Bishop of Grantham, hosted a special Candlemass service in Holbeach on Sunday (February 2).

Community arts organisation Transported delivered a Stories of Light activity after the service, creating ceramic lanterns, to reflect the theme of ‘sharing the light of Christ with the world.’

The Rev Sherine Angus, priest in charge, said: “It is a hugely significant thing to think that people have been coming into the centre of Holbeach to gather, pray and come together as a community for 800 years.

“We are really trying to draw in people who have never been inside the building.

“It is the town's church and it belongs to everybody.”

A programme of diverse events is planned to mark this special anniversary including music, art, crafts, theatre productions and school projects to encourage more people to visit the historic building.

The Rev Angus added: “We have a whole year of events planned to take light into the community and all that is good into the town of Holbeach.

“The church is open every day and there are not many spaces left that are quiet and peaceful.”

“We are also looking at a history project and look forward to creating a space suitable for the next 800 years.”

Further information about future events can be found on Holbeach All Saints website.

What do you think? Post your comments below.