HOLY Trinity Church in Dilton Marsh is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year and there are a range of celebration events taking place for people to take part in.
Events planned include an Easter egg trail, an exhibition of life and family events at the church, a mosaic workshop, a fun day, two concerts and a Commemorative Service and Thanksgiving.
A spokesperson for the church says, “On 30th September 1844, the Bishop of Salisbury consecrated the newly-built church of Holy Trinity in Dilton Marsh, a church born out of the need for the 2,000 or so villagers of the day to have a place of their own to worship in the village. And 180 years later, in 2024, the congregation of Holy Trinity plan to celebrate this momentous occasion with a host of special events, to which you are all warmly invited.
“Regular churchgoer or not, the building holds an important place not only in many villagers’ lives but also as a visual statement within the village. The events aim to celebrate the church’s role in worship, weddings and christenings, hospitality and promoting the arts.”
What’s in store over the coming months?
“We begin with an event during the holidays for the whole family – an Easter egg trail on the morning of Saturday 30th March. No need to book, just turn up and follow the clues.
“We all love a cream tea and why have one when you can have two! Save the date for Saturday 6th April and Saturday 8th June when you are welcome to partake of scones, jam, cream and more.
“Life events at Holy Trinity over the years have been many and varied so it only seems right to devote a weekend to celebrate the many weddings and christenings that have taken place in the church.
“At the ‘Exhibition of Life Events’, from 25th to 26th May, there will be wedding dresses, christening robes, photographs and memorabilia galore on display on loan from families who have chosen Holy Trinity for their special occasions. An array of beautiful floral displays will add to the overall effect within the church.
“To close the exhibition, on the evening of Sunday 26th May, a service of Hymns and Pimms will be held.
“If crafts are your thing, then a mosaic workshop on Saturday 22nd June and stained glass workshop, in August, will be suitable for children and adults.
“On Thursday 15th August, another family event will be the fun day involving sports, crafts and more on Dilton Marsh playing field, organised in association with Spurgeons Charity.
“Music has always played an important part in church life so it won’t be a surprise to hear there are two concerts lined up: Bath Community Big Band will entertain on Wednesday 26th June and Dr Zebo’s Wheezy Band will be playing in the autumn.
“The celebrations culminate in a Commemorative Service and Thanksgiving on Sunday 29th September at which the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey, will preside. What a glorious way to say thanks for the 180 years that Holy Trinity Church has been part of the Dilton Marsh landscape!”
Look out for details on each of the events in the future which will be in the parish magazine, White Horse News, the church’s dedicated Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/htc.diltonmarsh/ and other media.
If you would like to find out more or think you can help in any way, please contact the White Horse Team Office on office@whtministry.org.uk
