St Cuthbert's Online

The 1960's
The main event of this decade was the building of the church extension and hall and the modification of the church interior. Under the auspices of Rev. Tony Turner, a stewardship campaign was launched, under the heading "Battle of the Bricks", and it was planned to raise £1,100 p.a. over 8 years. Building work commenced in October 1961 and the dedication service was held in March 1962. The total cost including new church furnishings amounted to approximately £10,200. However ,the new doors could not have been fitted very well as they needed replacing in 1966. Also in 1961 it was realised that the robes the choir were wearing were made out of black-out material, so it was decided to buy some new ones. The exciting event of 1961 was the visit of Dr. Billy Graham to Maine road. A coach load of St. Cuthbert's people set out each night to hear this great evangelist and take part in the meetings. 1966 saw the sanctuary carpeted and the pulpit and lecturn falls made. The following year the church provided copies of the revised standard version Bible for all the pews. At the end of this decade the tapestry choir kneelers were made by Mr. Keep and Miss. Head.

The 1970's
By now the organ was really on it's last legs, and something had to be done. Various proposals were put forward and finally it was decided to purchase an Allen Digital computer organ, which was installed in 1974 and is still in use today. Across the road at the Old School , also in 1974, the playgroup started, fulfilling a need in the community and providing possibilities for witness and Sunday school recruitment. In 1987 coinciding nicely with the centenary celebrations it admitted its 1000th child. Originally the church had a bell above the choir vestry but apparently this annoyed the neighbours, who kindly provided us with a tubular bell on the back outside wall. The first bell disappeared over the years; perhaps it was used as metal for the war effort. However, the Old school still had it's bell and in the late 70's this was transferred to the Church and re- hung in memory of Fred Mote who died in 1978.

The 1980's
Having been using a new organ for 6 years, what was to happen to the old one? In 1980 it was sold for £350 to St. Martin's church, Higher Poynton. The choir vestry was then decorated and carpeted to provide an additional meeting room. Dr. Billy Graham returned to this country, this time to Anfield, Liverpool. Once again St. Cuthbert's sent a coach load of people each night. House groups began in 1983 and gave people an opportunity of deepening their spiritual life and enriching their fellowship with other Christians. Also in 1984 on Palm Sunday, the remembrance book and display stand were dedicated in memory of Fred Wood who died in 1982. A year later the lighting was replaced in memory of one of St. Cuthbert's great 'lights' Jean Frier. And so we come to 1987, the Centenary year.

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