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HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Fagley Congregational Church was built in 1912 to replace a 'tin mission' established by Eccleshill Church.

By the 1960's the attendance at both Fagley and Laisterdyke Congregational Churches were dwindling and talks towards unity began.

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When Rev Eric Carless became joint minister of both churches in 1965, it was "to help bring them together."  In  an interview with the Telegraph and Argus, Mr. Carless went on to say "The plan was that the churches as they were would cease to exist and a new church would be born."  On October 3rd 1965, the joint congregation became known St. John's Congregational Church, and soon after agreed that a new church was needed to stand alongside the existing church-cum-Sunday School in Fagley Road. 

THE FORMER ST. JOHN'S CHURCH FROM FAGLEY ROAD

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From the sale of the Laisterdyke church premises, £21,000 was spent on the new building, the balance being retained for future maintenance.  The old building became the church hall, and the opening ceremonies for the new church took place over the weekend of 21st and 22nd June 1969.

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INSIDE THE FORMER ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

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Continue to History (Part 2) post 1972 >>