Norfolk church celebrates its 150th anniversary
Christ Church Eaton celebrated its 150th anniversary last weekend with a special exhibition in the church and a thanksgiving service attended by the Bishop of Norwich.
The four-day event was held over the weekend of
November 24 -27 celebrating 150 years since the church was officially opened in
November 1873 by the then Bishop of Norwich,
John Pelham.
The church was filled with 60 exhibits of over 1,000 fish of all shapes and sizes from local groups and individuals.
Vivien Humber from the church said: “Why fish? There are many fish in the Bible – some of Jesus’ apostles were fishermen and he fed five thousand with five small loaves and two fish. The fish has been a Christian symbol from the church’s earliest days.
“Entries from local schools and pre-schools reflected on fish in the sea: the wonderful and varied fish in the oceans helping us to think about the generative power of the sea and our total dependence on healthy waters for the future of life on earth and the importance of water through the ages, from earliest times to today.”
On Sunday November 26 a thanksgiving service was held, attended by The Bishop of Norwich, The Lord Mayor Coucillor James Wright, The Lady Mayoress Kate Atkins, and the Sheriff Dr Jan Sheldon.
“The current Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd. Graham Usher, led a thanksgiving service, closely modelled on the 1873 service. It included a new anthem, Behold how good and joyful by Simon Lole, specially commissioned for the occasion,” Said Vivien.
“David Taylor and Rachel Hore, two well-known authors and members of the congregation, also wrote new words to a familiar hymn tune.”
Afterwards, sparkling refreshments and a special cake made by Kathy Ladd were served and guests could enjoy the Fantastic Fish exhibition.
The church will round out its anniversary year with a special services programme in December for the festive season.
christchurch-eaton.org.uk
Fantastic Fish exhibition image courtesy of Stuart Beard
Group photo left to right: The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor James Wright, The Bishop Norwich, The Right Rev’d Graham Usher, The Lady Mayoress of Norwich Kate Atkins and the Sheriff of Norwich Dr Jan Sheldon – courtesy of John Ladd