THERE was standing room only as worshippers packed into All Saints Church, Tilford to celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday, October 29.

The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Rev Andrew Watson, led the Patronal Festival Service commemorating the consecration of Tilford’s Parish Church in 1867.

All Saints’ parish priest Canon Heather Humphrey and the newly installed vicar of the United Benefice of The Bourne and Tilford, Rev John Morris were co-celebrants.

Two former Tilford priests, Rev John Innes and Canon Jeffrey Bell, were at the service together with their wives.

The festal celebration had a rousing start when pupils of All Saints Infants School marched around the aisles, lustily singing “O When the Saints ...”.

During the service, the Bishop dedicated the Church;s 150th anniversary banner. This is made up of panels contributed by groups throughout the village all of which were then sewn together to create this beautiful piece of work.

Having recalled some of the other events of the year in which Tilford Church was consecrated, Bishop Andrew took as his theme Jesus’ answer to the questions: What is the greatest commandment?: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and love your neighbour as yourself.”

Jesus’ message was always positive – ‘thou shalt’, rather than ‘thou shalt not’, the Bishop said: “This commandment is at the heart of what it means to be a church community.”

The Festival Service brought together the congregations and clergy of the parishes of Tilford and the Bourne together with visitors.

The combined choirs of All Saints and St Thomas, accompanied by their organist, led the music and sang anthems. After this joyful celebration of praise and thanksgiving, the festivities continued as everyone enjoyed wine and canapes.

The Patronal Festival was the climax of a year of special events to mark All Saints’ 150th anniversary - but not the end of the celebrations.

Tilford Bach Society is presenting a performance of Christmas Oratorio on November 18 and a Christmas tree festival will take place over the weekend of December 9 and 10 - with the display continuing throughout the Christmas period.