Marston United Reformed Church will hold a special service to commemorate 140 years as a worshiping community next month. 

The service will take place on Sunday, September 8 followed by a celebratory lunch at the Victoria Arms.

Rosamund Bailey, 69, has attended the church since she was a small child and has fond memories of Sunday School outings to Wicksteed Park in Kettering, and picnics and rounders games in South Park.

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Her and her and husband Bob were married at Marston URC and each of their children baptised there. 

Mrs Bailey said: “It’s home. It’s where I go when things are tough, and where I go when things are good. These walls have always been there for me.” 

Established by the initiative of the people of Cowley Road Congregational Church, the congregation moved to its current location in 1939 when the present church building was erected

With the move to the new building in 1939 came the appointment of a deaconess, Miss Irene Smith, to lead the work.

A number of ministers have served the church in the years since, many of them trained at or connected to Mansfield College.

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In 1972 the United Reformed Church was formed, uniting Congregational and English Presbyterian Churches in an historic merger.

Marston Congregational Church became Marston United Reformed Church and continues to this day.

Reverend Cara Heafey, associate minister, said, “We are a small congregation but friendly and inclusive, continuing to work with the other Marston churches to serve and support our local community.

"This anniversary feels like a big milestone, so we couldn’t let it pass without a party."