Concerts, games afternoon and fayre among 150th anniversary celebrations at Spalding’s St John The Baptist Church and school
A series of concerts - and a games afternoon - are among the many attractions that will form part of a week-long anniversary celebration.
June 24 will mark the 150th birthday of Spalding’s St John the Baptist Church, which was constructed along with the neighbouring primary school and care home, which was originally the vicarage.
And to mark the special occasion, all three will come together for an eight-day spectacular open to the whole community.
Among the celebratory events will be a school choir, violin duo, organ recital and board games afternoon.
The week-long event will begin with a Deeper Worship evening on Saturday June 21 (7pm-9.30pm).
A service led by Bishop Rob Gillian, a former interim vicar at St John’s will follow on on Sunday, June 22 (10am) while the celebrations end with a fayre hosted by the church and school on Saturday, June 28 (1pm), including performances by the Spalding Community Choir and The Houndogs as well as stalls, a bouncy castle and more.
And from Monday to Friday in between the church will open all day to welcome visitors as well as host concerts, while the toddler and craft groups which meet regularly at St John’s will also be hosting their regular meetings.
“We’re all gearing up for a very exciting week of celebrations,” said the Rev Greg Bannister.
“It should be a great party, great celebrations.
“And there’s lots to look back on with thanks, for our special service we want to involve the care home, the school and bring this bit of Spalding together.”
Members of the congregation, along with people who enjoyed life milestones such as weddings and christenings at the church, have shared memories, which will be on display throughout the week.
“We’ve seen some wonderful moments of nostalgia from that,” Mr Bannister added.
“I’ve learnt all sorts of things about the church. The first vicar could drive a steam train, but I must have missed that class at theological college.
“There’s been this ever growing and evolving community here that comes through cycles and seasons.
“Because we have people in the congregation who are in their 90s there’s a living link to the history of the church.
“It’s been lovely to hear their stories. Their memories aren’t histories of the church but very personal takes.
“We look at how history is normally written, but the voices of the people is a beautiful thing.”
A re-written history of the church has been penned by Michael Moriaty and is available to purchase for £2.
“Anyone can come by and have tea and a biscuit and, if anyone wants, to have a chat,” said Mr Bannister.
“We want to welcome everyone.
“We’ve had all sorts of concerts here in the past and it’s a great venue for the community, and we want to continue with that.
“If anyone likes a board game, come along. We have a regular gang that comes, so come and join in.”
The school choir will be held on Monday, June 23 (2.30pm), followed by a violin duo on lunchtime on Tuesday, June 24. The organ recital will begin at lunchtime on Thursday, June 26, with the board games event starting at 1.30pm on Friday, June 27.
It’s not too late to share your own personal memories with the church, which can be emailed to 150@stjohnsspalding.org or visiting a page on the church’s website.
The construction of the church, school and vicarage were funded by Spalding benefactor Mary Ann Johnson, who donated £10,000.
Costs eventually ran up to around double that, approximately £2.5 million today.