Heritage Day at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church
On Saturday 22nd August Mayor Cllr Kevin Pughe opened the Heritage Day event at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Nancy Hogan and church member Dianne Norman.
The Mayor spoke about the many years that the church has been offering its services to the town, before pulling the ribbon with Dianne. Dianne’s ancestors, along with cousin Doug Janes, were key to the setting up of the original church in 1775. The church moved site several times before the building of the current church in 1891.
The event was the idea of church and staff member Janet McConnell, showcasing the history and heritage of the church. There were lots of artifacts, old photographs and memorabilia including the trowel used to lay the commemorative stones, stained glass windows made by Doug Janes and a “moustache teacup”! There were also plenty of more recent photos, events and LBO news items that many people were reminiscing over.
Hope Puppets made an appearance and entertained everyone with 4 songs, which was great fun for children and adults alike, and Paul Daggett, church member and organist, performed an organ recital of 4 pieces of beautiful music showcasing the fantastic 1906 Binns organ. Refreshments were also provided, in a cafe style setting, where people continued to reminisce and catch up with old friends.
The event was well attended and much enjoyed by all, with more memories and memorabilia being found for the church attendees to look at after the Sunday service.
The church has been a central part of Leighton Buzzard for over 250 years, providing schooling for the children of the town, a school for evacuees during WW2, holiday clubs, concerts, picnics, car washes, quiz nights, carnival floats, cream teas, a drop in café, puppet shows, a Welcome Place for Ukrainians, craft sessions, visiting people and care homes in the community and, of course, Sunday Services, Children's groups and midweek groups, where local Christians can join together to worship God.