ST JOHN'S the Evangelist in Sutton Veny celebrated its 150-year birthday at a special commemoration service held on Sunday, April 15.

Joseph and Francis Everett of Greenhill (now Sutton Veny House) offered to fund a new church in 1865 after the old church of St Leonard’s was thought to be unsafe. Unfortunately Joseph died before building had begun but his widow went on the build it in his memory.

Building commenced in 1866 with the laying of a foundation stone and the 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2016. The church’s consecration, took place two years later in 1868.

Direct descendants of the Everett family attended the service, along with village residents and representatives of the various groups from the village in prayers of thanksgiving.

The village hall, produce stall, Sutton Veny Primary School, parish church, Alexander Memorial Field, flower show committee, Sutton Veny Women’s Institute and the local public house, The Woolpack, were all represented.

The service was beautifully led by the Reverend Jane Shaw, supported with a sermon from The Venerable Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum and a full choir of 20 led by Katherine Venning and accompanied on the organ by husband Mark Venning who ended the service to rapturous applause with Karge-Elert’s Nun danket alle Gott, (Now thank we all our God) with an additional Happy Birthday to you snippet from Mark.

The church was full and afterwards there was a brief bubbly celebration. It was time to meet up with old friends for past Rectors John Tomlinson and Clare, Hugh Hoskins and Alison.

Seventy people sat down to a wonderful lunch prepared by the ladies of the social committee and a glass of wine. “Today we pay tribute to all those who have, in the past years, looked after St John the Evangelist, Sutton Veny. We welcome you here to celebrate its birthday and pray for the next 150 years.”

Brian Long