Saint Peter's, Farnworth

The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch, made a poignant visit to the Victorian church of Saint Peter's in Farnworth on Friday June 22^nd 2007. His visit marked the final act of worship at Saint Peter's before the church building closes.

Other aspects of the bishop's visit emphasized hope for the future. The final act of worship included a brief look back at the history of the church's 120 years, but the greater emphasis was on the future as the church school, community groups and members of a new congregation which meets on Sunday afternoons in the school all provided input into the service.

"Although the building is closing, the work of the church will continue in this area," said Canon Vann, "and we've no doubt that the Bishop will inspire us to look with hope to the future. All the groups that use our facilities are working with us to try and establish a future church/ community centre on the site."

Many of St Peter's congregation will now worship at Saint John's, though some are also expected to take part in the regular informal service that meets in the School on Sunday afternoons, attracting children from the school and their families.

During the service on Friday evening, the baton from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games was presented back to the bishop by Sam Fennell (aged 7). Sam is a regular member of the church along with his mum. Sam was chosen "to symbolise hope for future generations."

Before the final service, there was a community reception and buffet at Saint Peter's School.

Photos from this Run the race Bishop's pilgrimage

As well as meeting members of the church and local community, the bishop met local councillors, and representatives of  the Neighbourhood Partnership Board.

Bishop Nigel also made time to pop into "Zacs" a local Youth Bar in Farnworth. Zacs is an alcohol free bar that works specifically with disaffected young people in the neighbourhood. Saint Peter's co-funds a youth worker with Zacs.