The Mosley Arms in Breightmet opens its doors to religion to boost church attendance

To many the pub is their church.

And in the case of The Mosley Arms this really is the case as it doubles up as church in a groundbreaking move to help punters connect with prayer and worship.

The Breightmet pub is holding Sunday morning church services.

And around 100 people attended its first Church of England service, held in a function rooms.

Church Service at The Mosley Arms

The Bolton watering hole, owned family run brewery Joseph Holt, is now holding weekly services as part of the Church of England`s New Life Church initiative.

The move came about after landlady Bernie Bates was approached by a friend about the possibility of using her pub as a place of worship.

Bernie said: “I thought it was a wonderful idea. I`m CofE and really enjoy my religion but some people may be reluctant to go into a traditional church.

’Or they may not have access to one. Our function room is already used as a lovely community room, and we`re such a friendly pub. It just seemed like an obvious thing to do.”

The service was led by Church of England vicar Reverend Ben Woodfield, who co-leads the Antioch Network, a Diocese of Manchester organisation which is focused on establishing Anglican churches in, as he terms it `harder to reach places` such as council estates, urban communities and inner cities.

The aim is to offer contemporary worship in an informal setting with a message for everyone.

Said Rev Woodfield: “Our key aim is for people to sit and relax. Our job is not to make you feel awkward. The Mosley Arms is a lovely place in the very heart of the community and the perfect place to start a regular Sunday service. It`s all very informal with lively songs, interactive talks and group discussions. We had a fun quiz in the middle of the service, and , of course there`s a time of prayer, There are also activities for children and young people too.”

Church service at The Mosley Arms

The service starts at 10.30am and finishes around midday.

Attendance at Church of England services has fallen significantly in recent decades, - and Sunday service attendance has nearly halved in the last 30 years. Analysis of Church of England data recently found that 423 churches were closed between 2010 and 2019.with many converted – ironically - to pubs and bars as well as flats.

However the new initiative could reignite interest as well as save on the costs of maintaining large old buildings. Bernie has refused to take any payment for use of the pub.

Bernie said: “Our first service drew in people of all ages – from babies in arms, teenagers and young adults right up to people in their 80s. There was such a connection there. Reverend Woodfield was wonderful and there was a fantastic atmosphere. As a pub we`re so happy to help play our part this way.”