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Mayor, Sheriff and Moderator at church bicentenary 

The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich along with the Co-Moderator of the URC General Assembly attended a special service at Princes Street United Reformed Church on Sunday, December 1, exactly 200 years to the day since the church's first service was held in 1819.

Norwich’s Princes Street URC marked its 200th anniversary at 10.30am on Sunday, December 1, two hundred years to the day since the first service was held in the church.

Over 100 people gathered for the special service of celebration from across all six United Reformed Churches in the Norwich area. The service was led by two group ministers, Rev John Potter and Rev Bruno Boldrini. In attendance were The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vaughan Thomas, and The Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley.

Rev Nigel Uden, Co-Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, preached the sermon referencing the same Bible text from Exodus 20 that was used in the first service on December 1, 1819. David Uden played the famous Father Willis organ and a combined choir enhanced the worship.

Rev Nigel Uden cut the celebration cake, which was enjoyed by everyone with a cup of tea after the service.

Rev John Potter said: “The service was a truly inspirational celebration of the 200 years of this church and an opportunity for us to reflect on Advent Sunday about what may be ahead of us in the future.”

The original church building was a simple non-conformist style and cost £4,800 to build. The first service was held on December 1, 1819 led by Rev John Alexander, who was pastor for 47 years.

Photo: Revd Nigel Uden (centre) Co-Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church cuts the celebration cake, accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Vaughan Thomas (right) and the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley (left).