A CHURCH in Bodmin is celebrating 50 years of worship, community and service with a weekend of special events.

New Life Church will mark its golden anniversary on Saturday, October 17, with a social event at 6pm at the Shire House Suite, followed by anniversary services at 10.30am and 6pm on Sunday, October 18 at the New Life Church. The celebrations are open to everyone, with booking required for the Saturday.

The church's roots go back to the summer of 1976, when posters appeared across Bodmin advertising a new Gospel Outreach. The meetings proved hugely popular and were led by experienced church planter John Hibbert, together with Keith Arnold, to establish an Assemblies of God church in the town.

Initially meeting in the Public Rooms, now the town's cinema, the growing congregation was soon able to purchase premises in Chapel Lane. Neville Downes became pastor and was inducted at the official opening of the Chapel Lane church in November 1977.

Neville said: “We have many happy memories of the special times, such as water baptism services, not only inside the church building but also in the sea. We enjoyed meals together, a Sunday school was started, as well as a children’s midweek club.”

Among the church's longest-serving members are Tony and Pam Birch, who joined during its early years and remain part of the congregation today.

The couple became Christians after attending a meeting called Facing the Future. Tony remembers particularly appreciating the relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome they received.

Looking back, Tony recalls the church's annual conventions and conferences, while Pam remembers the renovation of the Chapel Lane premises and how rapidly the congregation outgrew the building.

Both say one of the strongest themes running through the church's history has been “God's provision.” Tony remembers difficult periods when the congregation was small but says there was always enough to meet the church's needs.

“In those difficult days, when the church was small, we always had enough to pay our way,” he said. “Envelopes would come through the door filled with money and a note saying, ‘A love gift from the Lord’.”

Today, New Life Church is entering its next chapter under Pastor Steve Ovens, who has led the church for 14 years.

Steve has overseen the renovation and transformation of the church's premises at 18 Normandy Way on the Walker Lines Industrial Estate into a larger venue for worship, meetings and community activities.

With strong numbers and increasing involvement from young people, the church is looking ahead with confidence.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Steve said: “God is faithful and we give thanks to God for all He has done to reveal His love and grace to us again and again every year!”

He also paid tribute to the pastors and church members who have served God in Bodmin over the past 50 years.

From its beginnings in 1976 to the present day, New Life Church is celebrating not only its history, but also Jesus Christ and all the people who have been a part of the faith community over many years.