MILLOM Baptists celebrate 150 years in the town this weekend with a series of events.

On Saturday afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, there will be a presentation on the history of Baptism in the town which led to the building of a church in Crown Street.

It was designed to hold 280 worshippers and the foundation stone was laid by Millom industrialist Thomas Barlow-Massicks in August 1884.

Events on Saturday include a celebration afternoon tea.

There is no charge for the food but donations can be left towards the cost of a new roof for the sanctuary.

On Sunday there are more events from 2pm to 4pm.

There is no Sunday morning service, instead the families of the church will be performing a short sketch about the introduction of Baptism to Millom.

The performers will be wearing the style of clothing which would have been seen in Millom in 1867 - a time when the community was almost entirely made up of new arrivals.

Among them was Thomas Greig and his family who were members of the Baptism Church in Coniston.

He started services in a long-demolished cottage at the old Mainsgate - later absorbed into the Hodbarrow iron ore mines.

After the performance there will be a celebration service and refreshments.

The weekend events also provide an opportunity to celebrate the a new roof over the community side of the Queen Street building.

You can find out more about the church and its history on the website at http://www.millombaptistchurch.co.uk/


The Barrow News on Saturday, August 16 in 1884 noted: "On Saturday last the foundation stone of a new Baptist chapel was laid at Millom on a piece of land kindly given by Mrs King.

"A public tea was provided in the afternoon in the Wesleyan Chapel, kindly lent for the occasion. The chapel was well filled.

"Mr Hughes and the members of the Baptist Tabernacle Church, Barrow, went out in good force to assist their friends at Millom.

"At five o’clock seven or eight hundred people had gathered in front of the new chapel to witness the ceremony of laying the memorial stone."