The Churches in Forton

The Churches in Forton

The recent extension to the building on the left of the photograph received a Building Design Award from Wyre Borough Council. The architects, Mason Gillibrand of Caton, also received an award.
Shireshead St James
Vicar: Rev Evan Gray. St John’s Vicarage, Chapel Lane, Ellel, Lancaster LA2 0PW. Tel 01524 752017. Churchwardens: Mr Alex Peill (01524 841806) and Miss Ann Helme (01524 791180)

Every Sunday at 9.15am: Parish Eucharist

Hollins Lane Methodist Church
Minister:
The Rev Gillian Belford
Tel. 01253-790277

Main Sunday service
at 10.30 am
Family services at this time
on the 3rd Sunday of each month

See the notice board for information
on the services at 6.30 pm

United Reformed Church
Minister: Rev David Greenwood
Tel. 01995 602875
Senior Elder: Mr Martin Robinson
Tel. 01524 791210
Sunday service at 9.15 am

JUNE 2007

Roman Catholic Church

Sunday Mass is no longer held in Forton United Reformed Church. The nearest services are at Scorton (St Mary & St James) and Thurnham (St Thomas & St Elizabeth)

Ancient Church bedecked with leaves and flowers

The little United Reformed Church building on School Lane in Forton has been wonderfully adorned over the past couple of weeks. On 26 May a wedding took place, the first in eighteen years. Flowers were everywhere to celebrate this occasion of Christian marriage. A week later on 3 June, the church was again filled with flowers to celebrate the 300th birthday of this little church. On this occasion something very special happened. On behalf of Forton County Primary School, head teacher Holly Huset presented a beautiful “Tree of Life” banner to the church for its birthday. Each child and every member of staff in the school had made a leaf for the tree, and the banner now hangs in pride of place over the organ at the front of the church.
The Anniversary Service on 3 June was led by Minister Revd David Greenwood. Guest preacher was Revd Peter Brain, Moderator of the North Western Synod of the United Reformed Church. Highlights of the long history of the church were celebrated with stories, photos and souvenirs.
About eighty people attended, including the Bishop of Lancaster, representatives from local churches, the community and the parish council, former minsters and preachers, and friends from Forton’s sister church at Garstang. The day was concluded by a fine celebration buffet in the village hall, when a special 300th birthday cake was cut by 90-year old local preacher Miss Joyce Laidman.
If you would like to learn more of this amazing little church and to experience its wonderful atmosphere of peace and happiness, do come along to the 300th Anniversary exhibition from 23 June to 29 June, or to the Songs of Praise with Pilling Jubilee Silver Band in the churchyard on Sunday 24 June at 6 p.m. Morning Worship is every Sunday at 9.15 a.m., and visitors are always welcome.

Wild daffodils beside Forton United Reformed Church, March 31 2001

Photograph by Terry Mansfield

The colourful display beside St Paul's church, April 1st 2001

Photograph by Terry Mansfield