St Andrews Sunday school trip 1950 Philip Frost was Curate, on the back row, his wife is second left on back row.

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New Rooms dedicated at 'independent' church (by Robert Stewart. from the Huddersfield District Newspapers, June 8 1990) The final chapter in a long-running saga of a church has been written - new facilities now complete. The Bishop of Wakefield, Rt. Rev David Hope, dedicated the new rooms of Thongsbridge Parish Church on Sunday. The service marked the finale of the frenzied few years of activity for church members. The Parish Church of Thongsbridge, Miry Lane, became an independent body in November, 1989. It had formerly been St. Andrew's Parish Church. Its vicar is Rev. John Capstick. The church had always previously been a daughter of Holmfirth Parish Church but its new status was decreed by the controlling Wakefield Diocese. It followed the re-organisation of churches in the Upper Holme Valley after the retirement of Rev. Douglas Jones of Hepworth, and Rev. Ray Bell of Holmbridge. Neither were replaced due to cash constraints and a shortage of clergy. Four pairs were established, within a ministry team unit, for administrative purposes, each sharing one vicar: Holmfirth and Hepworth; Holmbridge and Upperthong; New Mill and Thurstonland; and Netherthong and St. Andrew's. The latter was the only one without full parish church status. Its change was announced as part of the team ministry proposals, to make the pairs equal. Just over two years ago, the church council decided to sell the church hall, graveyard and some land for property development. The sale brought in some £40,000, earmarked for alterations within and extensions to the church. The work, begun in September 1989, has now been completed. Seating is available for a 70-strong congregation which can be extended for larger services. There are also two classrooms, a fitted kitchen and cloakroom facilities. In Sunday's service the Bishop dedicated the new rooms after a sermon on the blessings and challenge of Whitsuntide, and the importance of St. Andrew himself. At evensong Rev. John Capstick welcomed the Bishop, Rev. John Sausby, Rev. Michael Hiles, Rev. Douglas Jones and many old and new friends. Churchwarden Stephen Williams made a presentation and speech of thanks to retiring organist Jean Beaumont. The congregation then admired the new rooms and enjoyed refreshments from the new kitchen. The church will hold a coffee morning (with stalls) on June 16 and welcomes inquiries about bookings.

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St Andrew's Baptism Policy We see the baptism of a child as both a privilege and a responsibility. It's a privilege to be asked to share with the family in the Christian upbringing of their child. It's a responsibility because we want to provide the parents and the child’s godparents with a proper opportunity to prepare for the promises which they will have to make at the baptism service. We would be delighted to prepare you or your child for Baptism, so what happens next? * Let us know by contacting Rev. Sean Robertshaw on 01484 683375 or e-mail on revsean@tiscali.co.uk * Two members of our Baptism Group will visit you and your partner at a mutually agreed time. * You will be shown a video explaining what being a Christian means and what Baptism is all about. You will also receive a booklet covering the subjects discussed in the video. * We will discuss with you the meaning of the promises you may make on behalf of yourself or your child and answer any of your questions. * Further visits can be arranged if you need time to consider what you are about to do. * You will then be invited to a Thanksgiving Service. This will be an opportunity, not only to give thanks for the gift of a child, but also to familiarise yourself with the church and to meet other members of our church community. * If you are happy to go ahead, the Baptism service will take place two weeks after the Thanksgiving Service. * We will invite you to attend two weeks later to receive the Baptism candle. Baptism services take place at St. Andrews four times a year, in February, May, August and November. We understand that sometimes these dates may not be convenient due to situations out with a family's control and in these circumstances we will consider other dates. It is important that in notifying us you allow as much time as possible for the Baptism Preparation to take place.   When you come to church we hope that you will feel   blessed by God, cared for and welcomed.   We sincerely hope and pray it will be a special time for everyone