St Andrew’s Church moves to new location

St Andrew’s Church new premises on Entwisle Road

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St Andrew’s Church officially moved to their new premises on Entwisle Road this afternoon (Saturday 18 January) and marked the occasion with an opening and dedication ceremony.

Members of the congregation, friends of the church, Rochdale Mayor Peter Rush, Mayoress Monica Rush and Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk all attended the ceremony.

Mayor Rush said: “It is a lovely building and it is nice to see traditions continuing in Rochdale.

"It is a pleasure to have been invited today.”

Simon Danczuk said: “I am delighted to have been invited along today. It is a real pleasure to be here and I know every time that I pass this building, I was lucky enough to have been in it when it was opened and that brings a warmth to me. It is an absolutely splendid building and it is nice to have been welcomed here for the dedication.”

The church began preparations for the move from their old location on Smith Street almost three years ago. Reverend Carolyn White said: “It has been a challenging move but it has certainly been exciting.”

The new site offers modern facilities for its congregation and includes car parking and easy access to the town centre. “It is an absolutely gorgeous building and it is certainly very modern,” added Reverend White.

The dedication service included hymns and prayers as well as the completing of the move by bringing in symbols of the churches faith including a bible, a cross, a font, water, bread, wine and a bowl and towel.

After the service, refreshments were served in the café area of the new building.

For those interested in visiting the church, an open day will be held on Thursday 6 March from 11am. As well as allowing guests to look around the new site, different items of memorabilia from throughout the churches' history will be on display on the open day.

Reverend White added: “The official open day will be on 6 March so people can have a look around at everything then as well.”