All Saints Ilkley has launched a heritage week which will include talks and activities highlighting the church’s place in the history of the town.
Organisers are inviting anyone with a family connection to All Saints to come along and learn more about the church and tell their stories.
The week-long celebration was officially launched by Councillor Brian Mann (pictured) and will include talks on the history of the church by local historian Alex Cockshott, a special children's event and a photographic display highlighting the life of the church.
Christians have worshipped on the site of All Saints Church since about 627 AD. The first church was built of stone taken from the abandoned Roman fort of Olicana which stood on the same site. The present building is partly medieval, but it was largely rebuilt in Victorian times, and there have been 20th century additions and alterations.
Ninety three children from All Saints Primary school will experience “Special Places” an interactive exploration of what it means to be a Christian. Lawrence Basham leads activities for children and young people, “We want to say to everyone in Ilkley however old you are that All Saints can be your spiritual home and is always open”.
This event comes at a time when more than £1m is being raised to make the church a vibrant place of worship for the whole community. Jeff McQuillan the event organiser said, “We want our buildings to work better and smarter, whilst preserving the essential architectural and historic features. This is part of our vision to connect our church and the community with each other and with God”.
More information at www.ilkleyallsaints.org.uk