HUNDREDS of visitors dropped in to celebrate the 200th anniversary of St James’s Church in Teignmouth on Saturday.
Guests were treated to music from local artists, a cake sale and an illustrated ‘time-vine’, showing the historic moments that had taken place since the church had opened its doors.
Part of the building dates to the thirteenth century but it was in September 1821, that the building that stands today was officially opened to worshipers in the town.
Organiser Angela Healy said the turnout was ‘unbelievable’, with many more people arriving than expected. It was a fantastic day’, she said. ‘A wonderful celebration of our church and the people of Teignmouth. Everywhere you looked there were smiling faces.’
A cake sale soon ran out of stock as guests were treated at the end of the afternoon to a performance from Teignmouth Sea Shanty group, The Back Beach Boyz.
The performance, said Angela, was made extra special by the acoustics of the church.