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The Bishop of Manchester helped to kick off the birthday celebrations at St. Stephen's, Astley, during his pilgrimage visit on October 26th 2008.
There has been a church building in Astley since 1631. This was demolished in 1750 and a new building constructed. Sadly this burned down in 1961 but seven years later a new church building was consecrated on a different site. Bishop Nigel visited 40 years to the day since the first worship service in this building.
The bishop's pilgrimage began with the Sunday morning celebration service at St. Stephen's. This was a very popular service with representatives of St. Stephen's primary school attending. During and after the service, silverware from the first church at Astley dating back to the 1600s was on display. To mark the anniversary, worshippers heard a presentation on the history of St.Stephen's.
Budding young athletes from the school and church really took to heart Bishop Nigel's encouragement to 'run the race' as they took the pilgrimage baton on a relay in the church. Thomas Hughes, a young student at St. Stephen's primary school, returned the pilgrimage baton of 'faith, hope and love' to the bishop at the end of the service.
After the celebration service, the bishop joined the congregation in a 'bring-and-share' celebratory lunch. Church member Janet Bradish had baked and decorated a special 40th birthday cake for St. Stephen's, and Bishop Nigel was more than happy to cut the first slice with Vicar, Reverend Jonathan Carmyllie.
Revd. Carmyllie described the pilgrimage as a 'very positive event
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