Stanbury Church was finally christened at the weekend - on the day it celebrated its 150th anniversary.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David Smith, led the special thanksgiving service and dedicated the church to St Gabriel.

Also present for the momentous occasion were the Rector of Haworth and Stanbury the Rev Paul Slater and the Lord of the Manor of Stanbury, Tom Lee.

The congregation which packed the small church heard readings from the Old and New testament before the Rt Rev Smith dedicated the church.

Stanbury Church was built under the instructions of the Rev Patrick Bront in 1848 as a chapel of ease for Haworth church. Up until now the church has been unusual in that it has not been dedicated to a particular saint.

The Rev Slater said: "The parish church in Haworth is dedicated to Michael so it seemed appropriate to dedicate Stanbury to one of the other archangels.

"Gabriel is the patron saint of communication and I think the name signals the links that already exist between Stanbury and Haworth churches."

Gabriel and Michael are represented in Haworth Parish Church with statues either side of the East window as well as in the Good Shepherd window, which shows Gabriel and Michael on either side of Christ.

The Lord of the Manor of Stanbury, Tom Lee, was attending his first service in the village and he commented afterwards: "I have never heard a bishop give such a genuine sermon." Mr Lee also read a lesson during the service.

The church hall doubles as a village community centre which is used by a variety of dance and social groups.

A limited edition commemorative plate has also been produced for the occasion which depicts the church as it looked earlier this century.

Anyone interested should contact Irene Taylor on 01535 646068.

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