AN Altrincham church is set to throw open its doors for a weekend of celebrations as it marks a momentous 150-year milestone.

The church of St John the Evangelist will celebrate its 150th anniversary over the course of a weekend. The Grade II Listed church is a landmark of the area found on the corner of Ashley and St John’s Road.

On Saturday December 10, the Sale Brass Band and its training band will perform a selection of music with a Christmas theme.

The church will open at 6pm to allow visitors to view the popular history display and explore the features of the church. The concert starts at 7.30pm, with entry at just £6.00 and children free.

On Sunday December 11, the church will be open from 1pm for visitors to view the display and features. Then at 3pm the Bishop of Chester will take the 150th Anniversary Eucharist service.

The church was opened in 1866 to help form a new parish which was carved out of that of Bowdon, in order to provide for the increased number of residents in the area. This included the crowded and poor district of Newtown in Altrincham and land yet to be built upon in part of Hale. The parish was reduced in size when that of St Peter’s in Hale was created.

Canon Frederick Wainwright was Vicar of the church for the first 50 years. He and his family lived in the Vicarage on St John’s Road which was designed by J. Medland Taylor, who also did the church along with its quirky stone font and pulpit.

Everyone is welcome to visit the church and join in the celebrations for this special anniversary.

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