THE remote church of St James the Less, at Forest-in-Teesdale is celebrating its 175th anniversary with a special service of commemoration on Sunday, June 19, at 3pm.
The service will be led by Revd Alison Wallbank and also taking part will be the Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Revd Sarah Clark. The church was built at the height of the lead mining boom when the population of the parish exceeded 900, and cost £773-6s-9d.
The service will be in a celebratory Songs of Praise style with readings charting the history of the parish and church over the years.
Churchwarden Richard Bell said: “This is a major milestone and with several places of worship in the dale closing in recent years, we hope that friends and supporters old and new, near and far, will come and enjoy the service and the fellowship afterwards.
“All we need is a good turnout and a sunny day.”
