MANY local folk are delighted that at least one of the old Blackburn station clocks is to be saved, albeit that where to put it is a big question (LET, April 21).

The other day I came across a photograph of the demolition of Blackburn's Market Hall clock tower in 1964 and this triggered off memories.

Zion Pentecostal Church has been established in Blackburn for about 78 years and, handed down the generations, is the fact that "it all started under the Market Hall clock."

According to records, a small group of dedicated young Christians met regularly in rain, hail or snow at 8pm on Sundays underneath the arches of the Market Hall clock.

It was a good place to have an open-air service. There would be singing and preaching. A small portable organ was purchased to aid starting on the right note and keeping in time.

Sundays were leisurely days then. Folk had time to stand around and listen if they wanted.

The group was led by a local insurance superintendent connected with the Methodist Circuit.

Eventually, after meeting in various rooms and halls, Zion Chapel Primitive Methodist Church became redundant and was purchased, along with the freehold.

The church was linked with the Assemblies of God, which had numerous indigenous churches in England and Ireland and it became well established.

Then, in 1972, a compulsory purchase order was served and Zion Pentecostal Church was built near Montague Health Centre in Wensley Road. It continues to this day.

MARLENE TALBOT, Oozehead Lane, Blackburn.