Bradford Cathedral celebrates its 100th anniversary

The Very Rev Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, with the 100 cake made for Sunday's celebration.

A celebration at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday caps a year of special events to mark its 100th anniversary. 

Monday 25 November marks 100 years since the parish church of St Peter became Bradford Cathedral. 

Throughout the year, the cathedral has been marking this historic milestone with special services, lectures, concerts and exhibitions. 

At 2:45pm on Sunday, there will be a quarter peal of bells rung by bell ringers from across the district, followed by a celebratory service at 4pm joined by members of the diocesan community as well as civic guests, with the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines preaching the sermon.

Readings will be given by the cathedral's poet in residence, Diane Pacitti, with music from the City of Bradford Brass Band. 

The service will see the debut of Bradford Cathedral's Centenary Anthem, special music composed for the occasion by its director of music, Alex Berry, with words by Pacitti. 

The charter that marked the turning of St Peter into Bradford Cathedral will also be on display throughout Sunday, having been refurbished, remounted and reframed for the centenary. 

Coinciding with the centenary celebration is the launch of the cathedral's new 'Take A Seat' appeal, which aims to raise £150,000 to cover the cost of new public seating in the building. 

The Very Rev Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford, said, "2019 has been a tremendous year of an enlarged cathedral programme with many memorable highlights.

"I'm looking forward to Sunday afternoon as the culmination of our centenary year, a year of celebration. It's a moment when we can give thanks to God for all that has been and pray for all that will be in the future.

"This cathedral is a vital part of the life of this city and Diocese and we look forward to our next 100 years."

News
Burnout and isolation are common problems for Church of England clergy - report
Burnout and isolation are common problems for Church of England clergy - report

Clergy described burnout, feelings of isolation, diminished morale, and ongoing financial strain.

Evangelical Alliance updates Christian course for South Asian seekers
Evangelical Alliance updates Christian course for South Asian seekers

The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has announced the launch of a new set of resources aimed at introducing the gospel to people of South Asian heritage.

Samaritan’s Purse plane hijacked; suspect in custody
Samaritan’s Purse plane hijacked; suspect in custody

A Samaritan's Purse plane carrying aid to South Sudan was hijacked earlier this week. A suspect has been detained, and no serious injuries are being reported.

Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall
Thousands attend launch of nationwide Christmas evangelistic campaign at Royal Albert Hall

A major evangelistic outreach for the Christmas season formally got underway this week at the Royal Albert Hall.