A CHURCH is hunting for "lost" members of four congregations to help celebrate a golden anniversary.

Immanuel CE Church in Feniscowles, Blackburn, is hoping to find people who took part in the first confirmation service on Thursday, December 8, 1949, to take part in the celebrations on the same date this year.

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev Martyn Jarrett, will lead the former candidates in a reaffirmation of their commitment.

Vicar of Immanuel, the Rev Dr John Cree, said: "The original service was attended by candidates from St Aiden's, St Francis, St Andrew's and Immanuel, and attempts are being made by a small group who were then candidates to contact as many as possible of those who took part in that service.

"It is difficult because people have moved and many girls have changed their names by marriage so we would love to hear from anyone who remembers being confirmed at our church on that day, or know others who were involved." The idea for the service came from a former member of the church.

Michael Tattersall, a truck driver who sang in the Immanuel choir in 1949 and is now a reader at St Aiden's, said he remembered more than 50 people were confirmed that day, including two people who now live in Canada and Australia.

He said: "I remember kneeling there in front of Bishop Asquith and that's something that has stayed with me. I also remember the date because it's my wedding anniversary."

The vicar added: "People confirmed in more recent years are also being invited and we want to make this a service of thanksgiving by the candidates of 50 years ago and an inspiration to those joining the church in this generation."

The service is part of a number of events planned to mark the anniversary of the church and the church's Scout group.

For more details contact Mr Cree on 01254 201236 or Mr Tattersall on 01254 384996.

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