ONE of the valley’s oldest churches has begun celebrating its 150th anniversary.

And St George’s Church, Brockholes, has a whole host of events throughout 2013 to commemorate it.

Bishop of Pontefract Tony Robinson opened the celebrations at an anniversary Sunday service, on December 2, attended by members of other Holme Valley churches.

The church, which was built in 1861 and consecrated on April 28, 1863 by the Bishop of Ripon Robert Bickersteth, holds six events next year to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

On March 2 and 3, St George’s Church holds a history weekend, followed by a entertainment day for young people on March 17.

There will be a performance of Handel’s Messiah on March 24, followed by an anniversary date celebration on April 28.

There will be a flower festival, maypole dance and daisy queen event on May 18 and 19, with a ‘summer serenade’ with a visiting saxophone group on June 9.

Events coordinator Kate Drake said: “It’s a way of involving the community to mark the occasion and it’s nice to acknowledge that the church has been there for the village for 150 years.

“And it’s not just religious events; it’s for the whole community. We’ve got a good range of activities to celebrate it.”

l A brief history of St George’s Church

Marianne Armitage, of High Royd, Honley, is believed to have been the pioneer behind St George’s Church. She stumped up the full £1,000 necessary to build the church after seeing Brockholes children braving the rain to go to Sunday school in Honley.

1861 - The first building was a rectangular nave where the congregation now sits. Canon Hulbert, vicar of All Hallows, presented the bell, which formerly hung at his family home in Shropshire.

1873 - The Baptistry was built at the west end and the chancel added at the east. The church was re-seated at a cost of £900.

1890/91 - The organ chamber was added on the south side of the chancel and the choir vestry on the north.

1931 - The church and chancel were beautified and again in 1963 and 1992.

1998 - By Pastoral Order signed by the Bishop of Wakefield, Nigel McCulloch, St George’s Church became a parish church within the Parish of Honley.

1999 - The nave altar was used for the first time February 7.

2002 - The cloakroom was built out of the former belfry.

2011 - Churchyard, in a poor state, was completely restored, thanks to volunteers.