St Luke’s Church, Beeston Hill celebrated its 140th anniversary today with a special service attended by the Lord Mayor, local councillors, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, and clergy past and present who have served as vicars of the church.
The church was also celebrating the completion of a 5 year project to ensure it was in a fit state to go on for another 140 years.
The bishop brought with him a large portrait of his predecessor, Robert Bickersteth, who consecrated the church on the same day 140 years ago. His predecessor had said then that the Church would be judged by its works, and since that time St Luke’s had proved by its works it’s dedication and commitment to God and to the Communities of Holbeck and Beeston Hill.
As well as its own activities, St Luke’s Church is home to many community activities, including St Luke’s CARES, which delivers services to young people in the area, and HITbase, a computer skills training base.
The Church also works closely with St Luke’s primary school, which it founded in 1894.
In 1872, the church was built at a cost of just £3,500. The church people had received a grant of £2,000 but were able to raise the remaining £1,500 themselves.
The church is now a Grade II listed building, and the renovation work has cost more than £500,000. Over £100,000 has been raised locally by St Luke’s, the rest coming from an English Heritage grant.
