St Laurence's Church: It has been at the heart of the Chorley community since Saxon times

Our Chorley 150 series wouldn't be complete without including the church which plays a part in so many people's lives.
By Jon Townend
Published 13th Jun 2021, 14:08 BST
Updated 17th Jun 2021, 17:11 BST
St Laurence's Church, ChorleySt Laurence's Church, Chorley
St Laurence's Church, Chorley

The Chorley Guardian is featuring 150 stories about Chorley: Inspirational people, places that we love, or special moments in the life of the borough.

It's a countdown to our 150th anniversary on November 4 and we’re celebrating the community we’re proud to be a part of.

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This celebration of all things Chorley may well include one or two prominent buildings; but none may be older than the Chorley Parish Church of St Laurence.

The Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of storiesThe Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of stories
The Chorley Guardian is marking its 150th birthday this year with the Chorley 150 series of stories

Age, though, is not the reason for its inclusion; St Laurence's is as relevant and vital as it has ever been.

Children's services, musical entertainment, charity fundraising, and art exhibitions are just some of the things which bring people together.

To celebrate, to support, to worship.

The church has been at the heart of the community since Saxon times, and the first mention of a priest for the church was in 1362.

St Laurence's lit up at night. Photo: Chorley CouncilSt Laurence's lit up at night. Photo: Chorley Council
St Laurence's lit up at night. Photo: Chorley Council
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Help us celebrate 150th anniversary by telling us why you're proud of Chorley
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The church has links with Myles Standish, also featured in this Chorley 150 series.Standish was on the voyage of the Mayflower 400 years ago and the Standish family pew can be found in the church.

St Laurence’s will even take part in this year’s belated Mayflower celebrations, hosting a Myles Standish Exhibition in August.

Discover more detail about the church's history at the St St Laurence’s Church website

Father Neil Kelley, left, of St Laurence Church and Chorley MP Sir Lyndsay Hoyle, at the launch of Taste, the pay-what-you-can cafe at the church in August 2020Father Neil Kelley, left, of St Laurence Church and Chorley MP Sir Lyndsay Hoyle, at the launch of Taste, the pay-what-you-can cafe at the church in August 2020
Father Neil Kelley, left, of St Laurence Church and Chorley MP Sir Lyndsay Hoyle, at the launch of Taste, the pay-what-you-can cafe at the church in August 2020

The church is a community hub, playing a pivotal part in the town.

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We doubt this will be the only time St Laurence's graces this special series celebrating Chorley.

Share with us how the church has touched your lives.

Chorley 150 countdown

Send in your suggestions for our stories in the next few months and let's celebrate 150 years together.

Whether its a person, a place, an event, a sporting moment, drop us a line via email [email protected]

We'd love to hear from you.

Read more from our Chorley 150 countdown:

Project Feed Chorley: When the people of Chorley pulled together to help a food bank in dire need

Related topics:Chorley

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