A Blackburn church which had undergone major renovations hosted its first service since reopening. 

The Homecoming Service at St Luke's in Blackburn followed a community event to mark the completion of the building works.

The main church building has been reordered and redecorated while a new-build church hall now lies alongside and has already been nominated for two architectural awards.  

St Luke’s is now part of the diocese’s exciting and innovative ‘Lighting Up New Generations’ project following investment from the national church. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Bishop Jill speaks during the service and confetti cannons finish the service with a bang

Lancashire Telegraph: Rev. Jason Gardner and Rachel Gardner during the service

Lancashire Telegraph: Archdeacon Mark and Gill Ireland are greeted by Curate Rev. Alan Gault

St Luke’s is also looking to establish a multi-generational ‘resourcing church’ in the town that supports youth ministry there, but also across the whole diocese. 

The congregation last Sunday were joined by Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, Anglican Bishop of Lancaster; Archdeacon Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn and his wife Gill Ireland, who is President of Blackburn Diocese Mothers' Union; Rev. Cath Brooks, Vicar of the Benefice of St Luke’s and St Aidan; Rev. Jason Gardner, Church Leader at St Luke’s and his wife Rachel, who is the Youth Innovation Leader. 

Rev. Jason Gardner said: “St Luke’s Church has been witnessing to the love of Jesus for nearly 150 years. Covid threatened it with closure as our faithful but ageing congregation met in the local school. 

"But Sunday’s re-opening as a multi-generational Youth Resourcing Church marks a new season of faith and hope for Galligreaves and Blackburn. 

"I am also delighted that it will continue to serve as a Youth Resourcing hub for youth work across Lancashire. I pray that many beacons will be lit here, many deep wells of faith unblocked to resource the next 150 years of faith in Blackburn and the wider Diocese.”