A CHURCH is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its rebirth...in a former supermarket.

St Barnabas Church in Johnston Street, Blackburn, has gone from strength to strength since its unusual conversion, and is now planning how to fulfil its next "vision", to develop theological courses alongside its social programmes. The original church, which was situated opposite to the present church, had to be demolished after dry rot spread through the century-old building.

As a temporary measure, an extension was built on to the church school which allowed religious services to continue.

In 1985 the former co-op supermarket in Johnston Street was bought, along with its community centre, bookshop and cafe. Many church members put in time and energy to transform the building into the present St Barnabas Church.

The Rev Herrick Daniel joined St Barnabas as priest-in-charge in 1981 and has been vicar since 1990.

He said: "Looking back to the past ten years, thousands of people from the community and beyond have been blessed, served and have benefited from the services provided by this unique venture."

He added: "The 'vision for the future' of the church was to 'pray and work hard towards a spiritual revival' and to continue to serve the community, in an urban priority area parish, seven days a week.

"The parish also wants to offer college courses, up to advanced level, in aspects of theology, evangelism and pastoral care."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.