Hope will be the theme in Wakefield Cathedral this Sunday as it marks the city’s 130th birthday with a service of celebration and thanks with the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Tony Robinson and civic leaders.
It was in 1888 when Queen Victoria issued a Royal Charter declaring the Borough of Wakefield a city.
Wakefield Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, the Revd Leah Vasey Saunders, (pictured) who leads on worship for the cathedral, has been giving that some thought.
"We have hope, we have aspiration – we have all of this gift, all of this blessing, and if we keep hold of all this in this Easter season of hopefulness – we in Wakefield could be so much more than they could have imagined in 1888 when Queen Victoria fixed her seal, “ she said.
“I want to acknowledge all that has been but more importantly, this celebration is about all that we will become, and that’s about the people.
“We live in such a fluid time, we want to come together and celebrate, give thanks to God and this service will be about hopefulness.
“We live in challenging times, politically, socially and economically, and Wakefield is feeling that keenly.
“But there is something in Revelations in the Old Testament about the heavenly city and the growth in human flourishing, which says quite clearly that the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nation, and that’s about being a place where all people flourish.
“That means we have to find a shared vision, we have to invest and trust in the people we have been gifted.
“We have such amazing people in this city and we have to figure out how to release that gift and allow them to give away their time and talents to bless the whole.
“This would build on the foundations laid down by the Wakefield Business Improvement District (Bid) and the Bishop’s Breakfast.
“It would have resonance for us here in Wakefield, allowing us together to reshape ourselves as a city in the future.
“That’s why this 130th service on Sunday is important," Revd Leah said.
The service will be attended by a host of civic dignitaries including the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire, members of Wakefield Council and the Wakefield BID.
Elizabeth Murphy manager of Wakefield BID said: "Without Wakefield Cathedral, we wouldn't have city status, so we're delighted to see them marking this with their own event.
“Wakefield was given city status 130 years ago, but people often forget we are indeed a city. That's why we launched our WFD130 campaign to remind people of this and encourage others to celebrate which is what the Cathedral is doing.
“If people haven't visited this iconic location before, or for some time, it's a great reason to do so. Everyone at the Cathedral is so passionate about our city which is a joy to see."
15.30 Sunday May 5
Wakefield Cathedral
Service to commemorate the 130thanniversary of the city of Wakefield with the Rt Revd Tony Robinson, Bishop of Wakefield
ALL WELCOME