Bradford Cathedral has marked its centenary with an anniversary service to highlight its tremendous achievements. 
The cathedral, one of the three in our diocese, has run events, services, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year to celebrate its 100th birthday, culminating with a very special celebration on Sunday.
Worshippers welcomed members of the civic and diocesan community and gave thanks for all the cathedral has given to the city and West Yorkshire.
The Very Revd Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, said: “2019 has been a tremendous year of an enlarged cathedral programme with many memorable highlights.
“Sunday afternoon was a moment when we can give thanks to God for all that has been and pray for all that will be in the future.
“This cathedral is a vital part of the life of this city and Diocese and we look forward to our next 100 years.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, preached at the service, and said: “The world has changed, and yet daily worship and prayer for Bradford and the wider world have gone on in this place.
“It’s the unique gift of a cathedral that every day, 365 days of the year, people here pray in this building not for themselves but for the world in which we live, for the city and the diocese which we serve, and so this place becomes a touchstone of faithful witness.”
He went on: “We thank God for the Bishops who have led the dioceses; for the Deans and canons… who have led prayer daily in this place; for the treasurers, the wardens, the administrators, the officers, the educationalists, the guides, the vergers- all those who have volunteered to enable this place to fulfil its vocation and ministry, clergy and lay people together.”
There was also music from the City of Bradford Brass Band, readings from the cathedral’s Poet in Residence, Diane Pacitti, and a quarter peal of bells, a Plain Bob Maximus, that rang out before the service.
The Bradford Cathedral’s Centenary Anthem was debuted, with music composed by Director of Music Alex Berry, and words by Diane Pacitti.
The cathedral also launched its new ‘Take A Seat’ appeal, with the aim to raise £150,000 which will be used to renew all public seating in the building so that it can better serve the local community.
Gold and white floral displays filled the building thanks to its dedicated team of flower arrangers.
Refreshments were served afterwards at Kala Sangam where there was an opportunity for everyone to share their memories of Bradford Cathedral and look through photos taken throughout the year.
The charter that marked the occasion of the Parish Church of St Peter becoming Bradford Cathedral was proudly on display on Sunday, having been refurbished, remounted and reframed for the Centenary.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |