Like everything else, the Church has had to change with the times, but always at its heart has been getting out into the community.
In Shropshire the servants of God have a large and widely spread patch to contend with, and for newcomers there is the business of getting to know the parish and the people. Then there are all those other things which are part and parcel of serving the community and fostering community spirit, with events like church fetes, coffee mornings, and various other fundraising efforts.
A busy old time then. So let’s give an appreciative nod to those vicars, rectors, and other stalwarts of the Church with this selection which remembers some of those from yesteryear and celebrates the part they have played, and continue to play in an evolving world.
Did you catch the remarkable story of the 1961 tractor rescue and the emotional reunion that followed 41 years later? See it here
- You can enjoy this and more with our weekly FREE Nostalgia Newsletter - with scores of archive pictures and exclusive features on the history of Shropshire and Mid Wales - all sent to your inbox every week. Sign up here
1. The Rev Douglas Sirr relaxes with the youngsters after a children's service for a Bridgnorth playgroup
RAF Cosford chaplain the Rev Douglas Sirr at Hobbins playgroup in Bridgnorth after it held a children's service and coffee morning in February 1978. With Mr Sirr from left are Louise Penson, Marcus Willis, Michael Briggs, and Simon Bradshaw | Shropshire Star archive
2. Climbing scaffolding was the only way to look at Church Aston's church bells
In 1986 an expert discovered the bells at St Andrew's Church, Church Aston, were of antiquity and historical interest. The Rev Herbert Yates climbed up scaffolding to investigate - it was the only way to gain access to the three bells, a problem which had foiled an attempt in 1915 to survey them | Shropshire Star archive
3. More coffee? A fill-up at a coffee morning in Ellesmere
Ellesmere churches held a coffee morning in aid of Christian Aid at St Mary's Church Hall in May 1969. Among those present were the Rev Ivan Wilson (Methodist Minister), Mrs N A Fenn (wife of the vicar), and the Rev Ambrose W Wright (Congregational Minister) | Shropshire Star archive
4. Hadley's vicar proved he was made of the ride stuff as he raised money for church funds
A bicycle made for two, and in the driving seat was the vicar of Hadley Parish Church, the Rev Maurice Young. It was one unusual way of raising money for church funds at the annual summer fete at the church in July 1985. The non-pedalling passenger on this 1920 tandem was 13-year-old Neil Thomas from Hadley | Shropshire Star archive