IT would be easy not to spot the United Reformed Church of St Andrew and St George on St George’s Road in Bolton.
It’s situated on the fringes of the town centre but it’s still a relatively anonymous building on the corner of Knowsley Street. It celebrates its 150th anniversary this week and, in these ungodly times, is a surprisingly enduring success story.
This is a beautiful, traditional church that also houses Bolton’s Fairtrade shop, Justicia, and the St George’s Day centre helping adults with mental health problems, plus being home to disability charity Community Care Options.
It has a regular congregation, provides space for community groups and small businesses and continues to be active in the town centre. It’s something not many other churches can claim and is a source of town pride. Let’s hope it’s still there in another 150 years.