Archbishop to dedicate church's anniversary window

St Nicholas Church, Wigginton, near York, was built in 1860 after residents raised 700 for the new building.

The stained glass window, which has been designed to mark its 150th year, has also been paid for by the community after 4,500 was raised across the village.

Now the Archbishop, Dr John Sentamu, is to dedicate the new window, following a weekend of celebrations at the small church which seats around 100 people.

Rev Steve Jarratt, vicar of St Nicholas said, "We're delighted to welcome Archbishop Sentamu to Wigginton, it is a real honour.

"We wanted to commission a new window to mark the anniversary, and the villagers were very generous in raising the money to do this.

"We are delighted at the money we managed to raise.

"Wigginton is a place where the town meets the countryside and the design of the window reflects this with buildings at the base of the window gradually thinning out and the abundant growth of trees and plants taking over – it is very beautiful.

"Now we are looking forward to celebrating the next 150 years."

The window was designed by Ann Sotheran, a renowned York stained glass artist.

The 150th anniversary celebrations take place today and throughout the weekend.

There will be a special exhibition of the history of the village and church over the last 150 years and on Saturday there will be a concert featuring the Chechelele World Music Choir.

The Archbishop of York will dedicate the window at a special service at 7.30pm on Monday, December 6, to mark St Nicholas Day.