Key Points
- Bicentennial Anniversary: St John the Evangelist Church of Farnworth in Bolton is commemorating its 200 years of serving its community with two days of heritage celebration events and a Service of Celebration.
- Consecration and Foundation: The significant site of worship was consecrated on 9 September 1826 following the laying of its foundation stone in 1824 in a piece of land donated by the local personality Benjamin Rawson.
- Time Capsule Found: Inside the foundation stone of the church was an enclosed glass box holding gold, silver, and bronze coins dating from the early 19th century.
- Initial Capacity: At its completion, the Church Street premises initially offered seating accommodation for 900 people.
- Exhibition Highlights: The two-day exhibition held on 4 and 5 September showcased memorabilia from the past, centuries old parish registers, organ concerts, and old photos dating from the 1930s and earlier.
- Connections Within Generations: Members of the parish and the community leaders expressed touching stories of generations worshiping together, youth groups operating since long ago, and years of family events like weddings and ringing bells.
- Anniversary Celebration Service: The anniversary is marked by a Service of Celebration held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, 6 September. This event will be attended by distinguished members of clergy from the region, the Mayor of Bolton, and other local councillors.
Farnworth (Bolton Today) September 5, 2026 — St John the Evangelist Church has officially opened its doors to mark a momentous bicentenary anniversary, celebrating two centuries of local weddings, historical memories, and dedicated community service in the heart of Farnworth.
The historic Church Street place of worship initiated two days of public celebrations on Friday, 4 September, inviting residents, historians, and long-standing parishioners to reflect on 200 years of rich local history. According to reporting by journalist Joe Regent of The Bolton News, the landmark church has served as a cornerstone for generations of families whose memories, bell-ringing traditions, and gatherings have quietly built up behind its doors since the early 19th century.
What Historic Milestones Define the 200-Year Legacy of St John the Evangelist Church?
The origins of St John the Evangelist Church date back to the early 1820s, a period of rapid industrial growth and expansion across the Bolton region. As detailed in the historical records highlighted by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, the foundation stone of the grand structure was laid in 1824 on land donated by Benjamin Rawson, a prominent local figure of the period.
Following two years of extensive construction, the building was officially consecrated on 9 September 1826. Designed to accommodate the rapidly expanding industrial population of Farnworth, the church originally boasted a seating capacity for 900 people.
A particularly fascinating historical detail preserved in the parish records involves a hidden time capsule. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, a glass case filled with gold, silver, and bronze coins of the era was buried directly beneath the foundation stone during the initial construction ceremony in 1824, symbolizing the community's investment in its spiritual future.
Explore More Farnworth News
St John the Evangelist Celebrates 200 Years in Farnworth 2026
Speed of Sight Helps Blind Drivers Experience Racing in Bolton 2026
How Did the Local Community Mark the Bicentenary Celebrations in Farnworth?
The bicentenary festivities began on Friday, 4 September, offering members of the public a rare opportunity to browse through a comprehensive archive of parish history. As covered by reporter Joe Regent of The Bolton News, visitors were welcomed into the historic hall to inspect curated displays featuring vintage photographs, historical artefacts, and preserved memorabilia, with some photographs dating back to the 1930s and earlier.
The celebrations continued into Saturday, 5 September, running from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Members of the local public were invited to enjoy live organ music performances, partake in light refreshments, participate in a community raffle, and view the extensive historical archives that showcase two centuries of community life in Farnworth.
What Personal Stories and Generational Memories Were Shared by Parishioners?
For many attending the bicentenary events, the anniversary was a deeply personal milestone rooted in family heritage. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, Parochial Church Council (PCC) member and local Brownie leader Susan Stephens expressed her immense pride in the church's enduring legacy and detailed her family's long relationship with the parish.
As noted by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, Susan Stephens stated:
"My parents came here, and my grandparents as well, and my grandfather and all his brothers used to ring the church bells. So family history, for me, does go back probably for most of the 200 years."
Susan Stephens further highlighted the tireless dedication required to maintain the landmark building and its outreach projects over the years. According to Joe Regent’s report in The Bolton News, Susan Stephens added:
"I'm very, very proud. We work our socks off to keep it going."
She noted that the history of the church has remained vibrant precisely because of the individuals who continue to care for both the building and the surrounding neighborhood.
Similarly, Churchwarden Steve Mann spoke about the importance of bringing the local population together through shared heritage. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, Steve Mann stated that he hoped the celebrations would reconnect former members with the parish, simple noting:
"I like the history of the thing."
The archives also prompted emotional recollections from attendees who have spent the vast majority of their lives within the parish. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, husband and wife Stella and Chris Gee revealed that they have been attending St John the Evangelist Church for approximately 83 years. When asked about their happiest memory from more than eight decades of attendance, both Chris and Stella Gee replied:
"Getting married here."
Other long-term attendees reflected fondly on the church's historical youth club, recalling the lifelong friendships formed in their early years and emphasizing that the constant presence of children and supportive parishioners kept them returning decade after decade.
What Is Planned for the Official Bicentenary Service of Celebration?
The weekend of retrospective events is set to conclude with a formal religious gathering designed to bring together civic leaders and senior clergy from across the region. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, a dedicated Service of Celebration will be held at the church on Sunday, 6 September, commencing at 2:00 pm.
The high-profile service is expected to be attended by prominent dignitaries, including Bishop David, Archdeacon Simon Cook, the Mayor of Bolton, and various local town councillors representing the Farnworth district.
Looking forward to the landmark service, Susan Stephens extended a warm invitation to the entire town. As reported by Joe Regent of The Bolton News, Susan Stephens stated:
"We hope the bells will be ringing, and everybody is welcome. We really want to fill the church."
With two centuries of continuous service behind it, St John the Evangelist Church continues to stand as an enduring symbol of faith, history, and civic unity for the people of Farnworth.