A CHURCH is celebrating its 175th anniversary by installing a new stained glass window.

The new window will replace the three existing windows in the Lomax Chapel on the south facing side of Christ’s Church, Harwood, in 2015.

Stained glass artist Andrew Seddon of Classical Glass in Breightmet, has already completed the new design which is based on the Biblical scripture for the Pentecost — “I will pour out my spirit on all people.”

The new design will comprise of 492 pieces of coloured glass — mainly blues and purples and orange flames to depict the outpouring of the spirit.

Artist Mr Seddon who has already completed the design will put all of the glass and lead together like a jigsaw.

Canon Wendy Oliver said: “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the anniversary and a really exciting project to get involved in. The window is something that’s going to be there forever and that’s what makes it special.”

Rebecca Webster, who has led the window project, added: “This anniversary is a very special event for our church and what better way to celebrate it than with a project that will not only involve the entire parish and beyond, but will also still be there in another 175 years.”

To fund the window, people are invited to dedicate a piece of glass for £35 and in return they will receive a personalised, numbered certificate.

People can dedicate their piece in memory of a loved one, or as a gift to someone for their wedding or birthday.

There will also be a permanent record of all the donations drawn up in an historical document which will be stored in the Church archives.

If every piece of glass is sold the project will also raise a significant amount of funding toward the redecoration of the church.

For more information about the project or to get involved contact Rebecca Webster by sending an email to stainedglassharwood @yahoo.co.uk