Herringthorpe church marks 60 years with weekend of celebrations

Herringthorpe United Reformed Church, based on Wickersley Road, held its first service on October 4, 1958, and is inviting anyone who has enjoyed an association with the church to take part in the special weekend of anniversary events. 

Designed to celebrate the important contribution the church has made to serving the local community, the church is hosting a 1950s-themed indoor street party tomorrow (Saturday), featuring a sing along with church pianist Roger Jenkinson. 

The street party will be followed by a special anniversary concert at 7pm, led by the Rock Choir, the Rotherham Choral Society, and in-house band The Herring Crew, who will play some of best known hits from 1958.

Throughout the weekend, the church will host an exhibition looking back over the past sixty years, whilst a special celebratory service and rededication will take place on Sunday from 10.30am. 

The service will welcome back previous ministers of the church, including Revs Graham and Elizabeth Caswell (1980-96) and Rev Pauline Calderwood (1998-2013).

The idea to build a new church at Herringthorpe was developed by the deacons of Masbrough Independent Chapel, who recognised the importance of catering for the growth of housing within the South of the borough. 

The present site was purchased from Dalton Colliery in 1935, with a Sunday School launched at nearby Herringthorpe Junior School in 1937 which operated for two years until the outbreak of the Second World War forced its closure in 1939. 

The Sunday School re-opened in 1953 and a year later, under the ministry of Rev Cyril Grant, monthly family services were held.  

Fuelled by support from an American Church — the Union Church, Hinsdale in Illinois, funds were provided to Masbrough Independent Chapel, enabling them to recruit a new minister to focus on “The Stag Project”.  

Over three years, plans were drawn up for a new church building, fundraising got underway and the new building was opened on October 4, 1958, with Herringthorpe’s first Minister, former RAF Chaplain Rev Andrew Clynes joining the church and under his leadership, the church quickly established itself at the heart of the local community, including overseeing the opening of Scout and Guide groups.

Since those early days, the church has continued to play an important part in the local community, hosting a range of activities including Scouting, Guiding, parent and toddler groups, a range of children's and youth groups, and a weekly Meet and Eat Café aimed at the elderly and those living alone. 

Current minister Rev Matt Stone (pictured) said: “This history of Herringthorpe United Reformed Church reflects the growth and development of Rotherham’s communities and our mission today remains the same as it did when the foundation stone of the Church was laid: to see Rotherham transformed by the love of God, lived out in practical ways. 

“We have come a long way over the past 60 years and I would like to offer a warm welcome to anyone who has a connection with the Church to join us for what promises to be a very special weekend.”

More details of the church and 60th anniversary celebrations can be found online at hurc.co.uk.