St. Peter's - After 100 years – we are here for all

It's a privilege to be the vicar of St. Peter's at the time of its 100^th birthday.  It's a time to celebrate what has gone before, and all those who have served the church and the community over the years.

Of course, there was a church on the site many years before the current building.  Canon Frank Webb built St Peter's Mission Church in Earle Street in 1894, it was a prefabricated building financed by the L.N.W.R.  In 1912 this prefabricated building was totally dismantled, moved and re-erected on a site at the junction of Wistaston Road and Stewart Street - where became known as The Tin Church.  This made way for the current St. Peter's Church building, whose foundation stone was laid in June 1913.

I know many of you will remember favourite Vicars of past times, who developed the church, and encouraged people in their Christian faith.  Each one brought something unique to their ministry, and made an impact in the lives of countless people, helping them to encounter God in different ways, inside and outside the church building.  Many people I meet still have a fond connection with St. Peter's Church, and even though they are no longer able to get along on a Sunday morning, they are still faithful Anglicans, who believe in God, read their Bibles and pray regularly.

As we celebrate 100 years we need to remember that the Church of England has care for every soul in England, we are rooted in the community and here to serve them, regardless of creed or colour.  Traditionally we have tried to gather everyone into the family of God. We are a Church of the nation rather than a congregation of saints.

I hope you will join us to celebrate St. Peter's Centenary – and let us celebrate the many people who are loyal to the Church, grateful for its place in society, and committed to its welfare.  Let us celebrate those who try to live good, godly lives, according to Anglican values of dignity, decency, kindness, modesty, and care for others – and may our faith be shown in our love and service for our God and our neighbour.