A Stevenage church has marked its 150th year at the heart of the community with a celebratory service.
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith presided over proceedings at Holy Trinity and Christ the King Church in the High Street, to mark 150 years since the consecration of the original building on Sunday.
He reminded the packed church that the building had been given its purpose by the people who tended it, worshipped in it, and went out from it to spread the good news of the Gospel.
"It is testimony to that powerful legacy of faith that so many are gathered here today, those who feature in Holy Trinity’s past, present and future," said the Bishop.
He added: "It is right to remember with thanksgiving the worship and witness that has taken place here over 150 years and it is right also to look forward with hope and optimism to what is to come."
After the service, which included anthems and the Te Deum (an ancient song of praise sung at celebration services for centuries) sung by the church choir, there was a reception for the whole congregation.
The church has a summer of events planned to mark the anniversary year, including a visit by Times journalist Martin Fletcher for Friends of Holy Trinity’s celebrity lecture series in June.
A veteran of many of the world’s troublespots, Martin began his career in Stevenage.
There will also be a two-day flower festival, summer sounds concert, extra-special harvest supper and celebration cook book published.
