A Bitterne Park church is marking 100 years since its building was consecrated with a week of centenary events from Tuesday, February 3, to Saturday, February 7.
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The celebrations begin at The Church of the Ascension on Thorold Road on Tuesday, February 3 from 12 noon, with a Centenary service and afternoon tea in the café. Attendees can sign up via the church office or website.
On Wednesday, February 4, and Thursday, February 5, the church will host an exhibition of its history, open for public viewing with refreshments from 10am-12pm.
The week concludes on Saturday, February 7, with guided tours of the church and its stained glass windows at 2pm and 4pm. Cake, coffee, and crafts for children will also be available. Sign-up details and further information can be obtained by email or 023 8055 9074, and on the church website.
The Bitterne Local History Society notes that the church began as an iron building, with the first reverend describing the “tin tabernacle” as “miserably cold.” The permanent church, consecrated a century ago, “was built to serve the new residential developments on the western side of Bitterne Park and has played a central role in the community ever since.”
In 2009, the church added a new extension alongside Thorold Road, including a café, flexible worship space, and meeting rooms.
Before the extension in around 2008