Over the weekend of February 22nd members of the Stockport congregation, in the Manchester area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Church building in Stockport. Situated on Bramhall Lane, near Davenport train station, the Church welcomed over 400 members and local residents throughout the weekend.
On Saturday night the Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport planted a tree commemorating the 50 years and joined over 140 members to enjoy an evening of fine dining, dancing and entertainment. The evening concluded with a fantastic firework display. To thank the Mayor, Councillor Chris Murphy, for his attendance he was presented with his own family history extending to four generations by Bishop Richard Shuttleworth.
- The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress at the bulb planting of the Stockport 50th anniversary
- The Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor Chris Murphy, with Bishop Richard Shuttleworth
- Stockport 50th anniversary celebrations with Elder and Sister Dryden, Area Seventy, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress and Bishop Shuttleworth
- Stockport chapel
- Stockport cultural hall at the recent 50th anniversary celebrations
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
On the Sunday evening the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor Mike Wilson and Mrs Jacqueline Hawkins, helped children plant 50 bulbs around the tree the Mayor had planted the evening before. Along with local members, the Deputy Mayor was also joined by Church leader Elder Dryden (Area Seventy), local councillors, Priests and Clergymen, local business men and various charity leaders. The evening was dedicated to learning more about the Church in the Stockport area which extends back over 175 years. William Clayton first created a branch of the Church in Stockport in 1839 whilst not long after this Brigham Young, former president of the Church, preached in Stockport.
Bishop Richard Shuttleworth stated, “The weekend has been truly fantastic, it’s been historic. We struck the right balance of celebration and commemoration. We look back in respect and humility but we look forward with faith, belief and with inspiration. By following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ we can be beacons of hope, love and understanding just like those who built this building and the Church over the last 50 years. We can help maintain religious freedom locally and in the lives of many.”
The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Chris Murphy, commented: “The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, and the Mayoress and I were pleased to attend the 50th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Stockport and to be asked to plant a tree to commemorate the event. A fantastic evening was had by everyone and we look forward to another successful 50 years for the church.”