TEN young people took part in what is a first for this country – a joint Baptist Baptism, Methodist Baptism and Confirmation, and Anglican Confirmation.
The teenagers came from four Huddersfield churches – New North Road Baptist, Gledholt Methodist, Holy Trinity Huddersfield and Kirkheaton Parish Church.
The service took place at New North Road Baptist Church, which was supported by members from all the churches.
The young people were all members of the Rock Solid youth group which meets on a Sunday evening and draws young people from each of the four churches involved.
“This is a first for Huddersfield, and we think a first for the whole country,” said Dan Wood, the youth worker at Holy Trinity and Gledholt Methodist, who came up with the idea.
“As our group includes young people from all four churches I thought how great it would be if they could all make their Christian commitment in one service.
“It was great to see the young people setting an example of unity.”
The Bishop of Pontefract, the Right Rev Tony Robinson, said: “What better way to celebrate the ‘birthday’ of the church on Pentecost Sunday than to join together with other Christians in Huddersfield to baptise and confirm these 10 young people.”
Ministers from each church worked together to produce the service, combining elements from Baptist, Anglican and Methodist services.
Pictured are: Ruth Baddock, Aimee Harrison and Leanne Harrison. From Gledholt Methodist: Michelle Shields (who was also confirmed). Confirmations from Gledholt Methodist: Molly Berry, Ryan Lee. From Holy Trinity Huddersfield: Matt Barber, Rebekah Dodd, Victoria Dodd. From Kirkheaton Parish Church: Scott Hirst. Also pictured are: The Rev Stephen Day, The Rt Reverend Tony Robinson, The Rev Wayne Clarke.
