St Paul’s Church in Monk Bretton is celebrating the roaring success of its historic 150th anniversary festival, which brought local residents together for a memorable week of music, food, and shared memories.<ul><li>A Community United: The landmark anniversary week wrapped up last night, successfully marking 150 years of parish life since the church foundation stone was laid on 6 July 1876.</li><li>History Brought to Life: Throughout the entire week, crowds packed into the Grade II listed church to browse an extensive exhibition of rare photos and memorabilia tracking a century and a half of village activities.</li></ul>A Spectacular First Weekend<ul><li>Musical Opening: The celebrations began on Sunday 5 July with a stunning afternoon music recital featuring the talented church organist and special guest performers.</li><li>Packed Afternoon Tea: Immediately following the music, attendees enjoyed a completely sold-out, lively afternoon tea inside the beautifully decorated church building.</li><li>Sacred Traditions: The opening weekend drew to a moving close with a traditional Book of Common Prayer Choral Evensong, featuring beautiful liturgical music by Leeds chamber choir The Pusey Consort.</li></ul>Brass and Praise<ul><li>Songs of Praise: The historic week officially concluded on Sunday evening with a powerful, uplifting "Songs of Praise" service, filled with the community's favourite hymns and a deep sense of gratitude for the past 150 years.</li></ul>A Heartfelt Message of ThanksThe parish organisers have extended a massive thank you to everyone who made this milestone week so unforgettable:<ul><li>To Our Guests: A huge thank you goes to every single person from the local community and surrounding districts who came along to join in, fill the pews, and share in the celebrations.</li><li>To Our Performers: Heartfelt thanks to the talented musicians and special guests who performed at the opening recital for setting such a wonderful tone for the week.</li><li>To Our Volunteers: Immense gratitude goes to the dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare and serve both the afternoon tea and the pie and pea supper.</li><li>To Our Service Contributors: Thank you to all the readers and players who contributed their talents to the final "Songs of Praise" service, making it an incredibly moving finale.</li><li>To the Whole Community: To absolutely everyone who lent memorabilia, set up displays, or helped in any way—thank you for making this 150th anniversary truly special.</li></ul>Keep the Memories AliveIf you missed any of the festivities or want to look back at photos and highlights from the anniversary week, visit the parish website at <a href="https://www.stpaulsmonkbretton.com/">stpaulsmonkbretton.com</a>.
150 Years of Community Spirit<ul><li>Historic Milestone: The celebrations mark 150 years since the church's foundation stone laying on 6 July 1876.</li><li>Exhibition Open Daily: An archive exhibition of photos and memorabilia will display inside the church all week.</li><li>A Century of Memories: Displays will showcase changing parish life and activities over the past 150 years.</li></ul>Weekend One: Launch, Tea & Sacred Music<ul><li>Sunday 5 July (2:00pm): An opening Music Recital features the talented church organist and special guests.</li><li>Sunday 5 July (3:00pm): A delicious Afternoon Tea is served inside the church, priced at £10 per person.</li><li>Sunday 5 July (6:00pm): A traditional Choral Evensong uses the Book of Common Prayer, featuring <a href="https://www.puseyconsort.co.uk/">The Pusey Consort</a>.</li></ul>Weekend Two: Food, Brass, & Praise<ul><li>Saturday 11 July (5:00pm): A classic Yorkshire Pie and Pea Tea will be served, priced at £10 per person.</li><li>Saturday 11 July (7:30pm): A live evening concert showcases the championship-competing <a href="https://www.oughtibridgebrassband.co.uk/">Oughtibridge Brass Band</a>, with tickets priced at £7.</li><li>Sunday 12 July (6:00pm): The anniversary week concludes with a celebratory, uplifting "Songs of Praise" service.</li></ul>Find Out MoreFor more information, full event details, and to buy your tickets, visit the official website at stpaulsmonkbretton.com.
St Paul’s Church, Monk Bretton, to Celebrate 150thAnniversary of Foundation Stone Laying St Paul’s Church in Monk Bretton will mark a major milestone this summer as the parish celebrates 150 years since the laying of the church’s foundation stone on 6 July 1876. To honour this historic occasion, the church has planned a full programme of special events running from 5–12 July 2026, inviting the whole community to join in the celebrations.The anniversary week will feature a rich variety of services, music, and communitygatherings, including: Afternoon Tea with a Musical Recital A Choral Evensong using the Book of Common Prayer, featuring a visiting choir A Community Barbecue A Brass Band Concert A “Songs of Praise” ServiceAlongside these events, St Paul’s will host a special exhibition of photographs and memorabilia, showcasing the many activities, milestones, and memories that have shaped the life of the church over the past century and a half.The church is inviting local residents, past and present, to contribute to this exhibition.Anyone with photographs, documents, artefacts, or personal items connected to St Paul’s is warmly encouraged to get in touch if they are willing to loan them for display.“This anniversary is not just about the building — it’s about the generations of people who have worshipped, celebrated, and built community here,” said a spokesperson for St Paul’s. "We hope the whole village will join us in marking this remarkable moment in our shared history.”Full details of event times and exhibition arrangements will be released in the coming weeks.About St Paul’s Church, Monk Bretton. The original church was built in 1839 but by the 1860’s was deemed unfit for purpose, sofunds were raised to build the present St Paul’s which has served as a spiritual and community hub for Monk Bretton for 150 years. The church continues to offer worship, outreach, and support to residents of all ages.For further information or to loan items for the exhibition, please contact us
We are asking for help in celebrating our 150th Birthday! have you got any old photographs or other documents that feature Saint Paul's, Monk Bretton?The first church on the site was opened in 1839, however by the 1870's it had fallen into disrepair, indeed there are suggestions that the building was never really suitable. Therefore after some intense fundraising the present building was begun with the laying of the foundation stone on July 6th 1876, by the Mayor of Barnsley, marking the beginning of a place that would become a spiritual home for generations. The church was built during a period of growth and change, serving as a beacon of hope and faith in the local area.A series of events are being planned for the week surrounding the anniversary and it is hoped to include an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia showing church activities over the past 150 years. We are asking members of the local community to have a rummage through their albums, maybe look for things are hidden in a drawer somewhere, that will show the range of activities held in or around the church, that we could borrow for a short time. The memorabilia could include original documents, letters, and artifacts that highlight the range of activities once undertaken by church members. We hope to be able to show how involved Saint Paul's Church has always been in the life of Monk Bretton.How to Participate in the Anniversary WeekThe planned exhibition is just one part of a full week of celebrations. Other activities being planned include:Special worship services reflecting on the church’s history and mission.Musical performances featuring traditional hymns and contemporary pieces.Opportunities for fellowship and refreshments in the church hall.Everyone is welcome to join, whether existing members or newcomers interested in learning more about the church’s story.Preserving History for the FutureThis 150th anniversary is not only a time to look back but also a moment to think about the future. The exhibition encourages visitors to consider how the church can continue to be a place of faith, hope, and community support.By celebrating this milestone, the church strengthens its foundation for the next 150 years and beyond.The 150th anniversary exhibition offers a rare chance to explore the rich history of a beloved church and its community. Through photographs, memorabilia, and stories, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the faith and dedication that have sustained this place for a century and a half.If you have anything you are willing to loan to us for display please contact us at; saintpauls150th@gmail.com
