Consecrating the new Church

The July 1st issue of the Carlisle Patriot described the consecration of the "neat, substantial, yet lightsome new church at Blackford" on St John the Baptist's Day, Friday 26th June 1870, stating that the new church was, "very much owing to the exertions and individual munificence of Mr C B Hodgson". The Lord Bishop of Carlisle led the service, which was followed by a luncheon at Harker Grange, attended by around 70 guests and catered by the County Hotel. Speeches were made by Bishop Goodwin, Mrr Charles Hodgson, and the new incumbent of the Church,  the Reverend John Longley, MA