A church that was built to commemorate the loss of a child is to hold a special service for parents and families who have suffered the same.
St Mary’s Wilshaw, part of the Christ the King Meltham, was built as a memorial to Mary, daughter of textile boss Joseph Hirst and his wife, Eleanor. Mary, their only daughter, died in childbirth in 1859 one year after she had married.
And on Saturday 25th March at 2.30pm at St Mary’s Wilshaw will open its doors for a special service of 'Remembering and Sharing' for parents, siblings, grandparents, family and friends who have suffered the loss of a child of any age and from any cause. All are welcome.
The service will give families the opportunity to stand alongside other people ‘who know’ the pain of losing a child, and want to publicly acknowledge and remember together.
The service will include a short message of hope from clergy and stories or poems from people who have suffered the loss of a child.
The vicar of Meltham, the Revd Maureen Read said: "We want to create a safe environment where people can come together, regardless of faith or belief, people who have lost a child and we hope this will bring many people in Kirklees some peace."
Families are invited bring a flower to place during the service in memory of a loved one.
Tea and biscuits will be served at the end of the service whilst the flowers are made into a floral display. and families are encouraged to stay and chat and share their experiences about the child they lost.
This is the fourth year that St Mary's has supported families suffering the loss of a child/children.
You can find the church at HD9 4DZ