Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Sarah Curran & Samantha Mordi

Church of England tries to boost following by holding Sunday morning services in a PUB

A fun-loving Reverend has set up Sunday service in a pub so that attendees can "relax".

Congregators can now attend the Church of England weekly service at the function room at The Mosley Arms, in Bolton for a more "informal" worship environment.

The rooms holds 100 people, with last weeks mass attracting everyone from babies to those in their 80's.

The Rev Ben Woodfield, who led last week’s gathering, said: “Our aim is for people to relax.

"It’s very informal with lively songs, interactive talks and group discussions.”

It came about after landlady Bernie Bates was approached by a pal about using the pub for worship.

Bernie said its 10.30am weekly service appeals to people reluctant to go to a traditional church or who do not have access to one, The Sun reports.

She added: “Our first service drew in people of all ages — from babes in arms to adults in their 80s.”

The pub’s owner, brewery Joseph Holt, give up the room for free.

Mr Woodfield co-leads the ­Antioch Network — an organisation aimed at setting up contemporary Anglican services in urban communities.

He said: “The Mosley Arms is in the heart of the community and the perfect place to start a regular Sunday service.”

This comes just weeks after a spooky church was snapped up as a home and even comes with the ghost of a bloodthirsty black hound, according to legend.

House-hunting horror fans had a bidding war at an auction for the stone-built chapel which is built next to a graveyard.

It was once surrounded by woodland when it was built in the 17th century - and legend says it is even haunted by a baying hound after claims a former minister heard its blood-curdling howls.

Folklore has it that a former minister saw the great black beast before striking it between the eyes with his Bible.

The property is believed to be haunted by "the black hound of the underworld" in Cwmbran, South Wales.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.