A celebration of our heritage, our community and our future
There was a wonderful atmosphere of celebration, thanksgiving and excitement at St Mary's Church, Sholing, on Sunday 1st November, as around 140 people gathered for a very special Service of Rededication, marking the 160th anniversary of the church's consecration in 1866.
It was a memorable and uplifting occasion, bringing together church members, local residents, community representatives, invited guests and friends to celebrate not only the history of our beautiful church, but also its restoration and the exciting future ahead.
A surprise journey back in time!
The celebrations began with a surprise that nobody was expecting!
Just as everyone had taken their seats and the service was about to begin, a loud knock at the church door announced the arrival of some very special visitors. Actors from the Sarah Siddons Theatre Company entered, transporting everyone back to Victorian times, when St Mary's was originally built.
Among them was a character portraying the church's original vicar, the Revd Harold Francis Davidson. The actors strolled around the church, bringing the Victorian era to life with entertaining performances, fascinating historical insights and plenty of humour. There were many smiles and laughs around the church, making this a truly memorable and unexpected start to the occasion.
Celebrating our church family and community
The service itself was wonderfully varied, reflecting the life, faith and community spirit that have been at the heart of St Mary's for 160 years.
We were particularly delighted to welcome the children from St Monica's Primary School Choir, whose beautiful singing of “This Little Light of Mine” brought a special warmth to the service.
Children also played an important part throughout the occasion, with several taking part in readings and prayers. Members of our church family brought forward significant items representing our faith, mission and ministry, including a Bible, a lit candle, a baptism shell, a foodbank bag, a musical instrument and the church keys. Each item represented something important about the life of St Mary's and our commitment to serving the community.
The readings, hymns, prayers and music all contributed to a service that celebrated generations of worship while recognising the importance of passing our faith and our church on to future generations.
Rededicating our restored church
The service was led by the Revd Garry Roberts, Vicar of Sholing, alongside the Right Reverend Geoff Annas, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Winchester.
Bishop Geoff delivered the sermon and led the blessing of the restored church building, giving thanks for everyone whose generosity, hard work, craftsmanship, vision and prayers had helped make the restoration possible.
As part of this special act of rededication, attention was drawn to the important features of our church, including the font, lectern, communion table, windows, memorials, organ and instruments, as well as the new heating and restoration work and our children's area.
Each was recognised for its part in the continuing life of the church. It was a particularly meaningful moment as we gave thanks for those who built and worshipped here before us, celebrated those who care for St Mary's today, and committed ourselves to ensuring it remains a place of faith, welcome and hope for generations to come.
The service also included contributions from representatives of our local community, with prayers reflecting the needs of Sholing, our schools, our neighbours and the wider world.
Special guests and thanks
We were honoured by the presence and support of so many special guests and representatives from across our church, civic and local community.
Our sincere thanks go to:
· The Right Reverend Geoff Annas, Bishop and Honorary Assistant Bishop
· The Venerable Dr Gemma Foster, Archdeacon of Bournemouth
· The Reverend Canon Bruce Hartnell
· The Venerable Jane Bakker, Archdeacon of Plymouth
· The Reverend Canon Greg Bakker
· Matthew Stone, Church Leader, The Salvation Army
· Darren Paffey MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen
· Councillor Katherine Barbour, Sheriff of Southampton
· Councillor James Baillie
· Reverend Liz Williams
· Louise Killick and St Monica's Primary School
And to all the other guests, representatives and friends who joined us and helped make the occasion so special.
We were especially touched to receive the following message from Cllr Kat Barbour, Sheriff of Southampton, following the event:
“What an amazing event it was – every aspect of the event delighted and inspired.
I loved the Sarah Siddons actors who gave a view back in history, the children singing, the objects brought to the altar, the songs, the sermon from Geoff, the prayers, the bubbles at the end…. All wonderful and to God's praise.
Finally, the food was delicious, and I had some good conversations with members of the congregation.
It was good to have your church wardens leading the event.
A big thank you to you all and to Garry for his leadership.
God bless.”
We are incredibly grateful for these kind words and for the encouragement and support shown by everyone who attended.
Food, fellowship and celebration
Following the service, everyone was invited to stay and enjoy refreshments, lunch and time together.
Our external caterers had prepared a wonderful selection of freshly cooked meals and delicious desserts, providing the perfect opportunity for everyone to relax, catch up with old friends and make new connections. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying one another's company and sharing conversations.
Looking back with gratitude and forward with hope
Our 160th anniversary has been an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable heritage of St Mary's Church and the generations of people who have worshipped, served and supported this special place since 1866.
But this celebration was about much more than looking backwards. The rededication reminded us that a church is not simply a building of stone, but a living community of people, united in faith and committed to sharing God's love.
As we look towards the future, our prayer is that St Mary's will continue to be a place where everyone is welcome, where children and families can grow in faith, where friendships are formed, where those in need find support, and where the love of Christ is shared throughout our community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated, performed, read, sang, organised, prepared food, volunteered and supported the occasion. So much work went into making the day such a success, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part.
We give thanks for 160 years of St Mary's, for all that has been achieved, and for all that lies ahead.
St Mary's Church, Sholing – celebrating our heritage, living our faith and looking forward with hope.
