A CHURCH which began life as a temporary wooden building has begun its centenary celebrations.

The Bishop of Bolton, Rt Rev Christopher Edmondson, was guest preacher at an all-age Eucharist service at Lostock’s St Thomas and St John C of E Church in which children charted events down the decades.

The Bishop also dedicated a centenary plaque and read a letter of congratulations from the Lord Archbishop of York, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu.

The church’s 16th incumbent, priest in charge Rev Viv Ashworth, said: “What a great start to our celebrations.

"The weather was kind to us and parishioners joined together for a wonderful day. We have a great deal to thanks those parishioners for who had the vision to lay the foundations of St Thomas and St John.

“Our 2014 centenary is a very important chapter in our history but also an opportunity for us to look to the future.

“We are also pleased to be able to support the work of The Christie centre and Derian House children’s hospice through our flower festival in July — especially as many of our parishioners and their families have benefited from the tremendous work they do.”

Yesterday, another special service took place on the centenary of the foundation stone being laid at what was only meant to be a temporary wooden building.

The guest preacher was the Archdeacon of Bolton, the Ven David Bailey.

The Bishop of Manchester, Rt Rev David Walker will bring the celebrations to a conclusion at an All Age Eucharist and Harvest Festival on October 5. Details of other events are on the church website lostockchurch.org.uk