Christ Church Eaton marked its 150th anniversary with a special exhibition and thanksgiving service attended by the Bishop of Norwich. The event was held over a four-day period in November, celebrating 150 years since the church was officially opened in 1873 by the then Bishop of Norwich, John Pelham. The church was filled with 60 exhibits of over 1,000 fish of all shapes and sizes from local groups and individuals. The fish theme was chosen as it holds significant symbolism in Christianity, with many references to fish in the Bible and their importance in various religious stories. Entries from local schools and pre-schools reflected on the significance of fish in the sea and the importance of water through the ages.
A thanksgiving service was led by the current Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd. Graham Usher, and closely mirrored the 1873 service. The service included a new anthem, Behold how good and joyful by Simon Lole, specially commissioned for the occasion. David Taylor and Rachel Hore, two well-known authors and members of the congregation, also wrote new words to a familiar hymn tune. Following the service, guests were treated to sparkling refreshments and a special cake made by Kathy Ladd, and were able to enjoy the Fantastic Fish exhibition. The church plans to continue its anniversary celebrations with a special services program in December for the festive season.
The significance of fish in Christianity was evident in the Fantastic Fish exhibition, with 60 exhibits and over 1,000 fish on display, representing various shapes and sizes. The chosen theme reflected the presence of fish in the Bible and their role as Christian symbols, with references to Jesus’ apostles as fishermen and the story of him feeding five thousand with five small loaves and two fish. The exhibition also showcased the work of local schools and pre-schools, highlighting the importance of the sea and healthy waters for the future of life on earth. The thanksgiving service, attended by the Bishop of Norwich, the Lord Mayor, and the Sheriff, featured a specially commissioned anthem and new words to a familiar hymn tune written by members of the congregation. The event concluded with guests enjoying refreshments and the Fantastic Fish exhibition, with the church planning to continue its anniversary year celebrations with a special services program for the festive season in December.
The anniversary celebrations of Christ Church Eaton included a special exhibition and thanksgiving service to mark the 150th anniversary of the church’s opening in 1873. The church was filled with exhibits of over 1,000 fish, representing various shapes and sizes and highlighting the significance of fish in Christianity. The thanksgiving service was led by the current Bishop of Norwich and closely mirrored the 1873 service, featuring a specially commissioned anthem and new words to a familiar hymn tune. The event concluded with sparkling refreshments and a special cake, with the church planning to continue its anniversary year celebrations with a special services program for the festive season in December.
