A SOUTHAMPTON church will celebrate its 390th birthday tomorrow by unveiling a new trail to celebrate its history.
Pear Tree Church, North East Road, in Sholing, is the oldest Anglican church in the world and will celebrate by opening the new maritime, history and ecology trail funded by the owners of the Daily Echo followed by a Dedication Festival Service in the evening.
The new trail is a guided walk to showcase the church’s rich and vibrant history.
It was made possible thanks to a £3,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation- the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, owner of the Newsquest Media Group, whose titles include the Southern Daily Echo.
The day will also unveil the new gravestone of Richard Parker, the 17-year-old cabin boy, who was eaten by his two-crew mates on a disastrous journey to Australia in 1844.
The Sarah Siddons Fan Club Theatre Company will kick off the event at 3pm by telling the story of Richard Parker in the churchyard followed by cream teas in the church hall.
The Dedication Festival Service will start in the church at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome.
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