AN historic church in Finchley held a service to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Around 180 people attended the event at St Paul’s Finchley on Sunday March 27, exactly 125 years to the day when the Bishop of London consecrated the building in Long Lane in 1886.

The service marked the church’s history but also sought God’s blessing for its future as a centre of Christian worship, community and service in the area.

Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Lisa Rutter, MP Mike Freer and Barnet Council’s leader of the Labour group, Councillor Alison Moore attended the service as well as children from St Mary’s CE Primary School who sang in a choir.

St Paul’s vicar, Reverend Nicholas Pye said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many people to join in the celebration and to have the opportunity to praise God for his faithfulness to us over the past 125 years.

“We are committed to being an engaging Christian community and look forward to serving God and the people of Finchley for the next 125 years.”