A BIRKBY church which almost closed in the late 1980s celebrates its 150th anniversary next month.
Parishioners fought to save St John's Church after a row broke out with the Church of England.
Trouble flared when Wakefield Diocese officials tried to close the church and merge the congregation with neighbouring ones.
But recently the church has become a religious base for grief, hosting memorial services following the Birkby fire murders tragedy.
A special service will be held in the church at 4pm on Sunday, September 28.
The Bishop of Pontefract, the Right Rev Tony Robinson, and the Very Rev John Field Lister, Vicar of St John's from 1944 to 1954, will be there.
A variety of other events are planned at St John's in the week before.
These include a reception, buffet and quiz, a concert with Meltham and Meltham Mills Brass Band and singing duo Sapphire, an art exhibition and floral display.
A service will be held at 7pm on Monday, September 29, for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels.
For more information ring Mervyn Crawshaw on 01484 718571.
