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United Reformed Church Northern Synod

Fifty years in Billingham

Fifty years ago St Columba's Presbyterian Church was opened in Billingham. The core of the congregation looked back to the church founded in Haverton Hill in 1919, drawing its members largely from the families of Scots working in the Furness shipsyard there.  Over the years pollution from the chemical industries nearby had destroyed the community, and Haverton Hill was demolished in the 1950s.

This year St Columba's United Reformed Church has celebrated their jubilee with a flower festival and concert during the summer, and with a Social Evening and thanksgiving service on the October 21st anniversary weekend itself. Former ministers and members returned for the weekend.

During the service on the Sunday morning, new banners made to mark the anniversary were dedicated, and a “pilgrim cairn” begun in the Church’s Labyrinth Garden.

 

Banners dedicated at the anniversary weekend - and (centre) the original church at Haverton Hill

 

 

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