St Christopher's Church
Round Green, Luton
The Groundbreaking Service
Saturday 11th July 1936
In June 1936 the Central committee in the Diocese chaired by the Hon. Ian Lawson Johnston, with Miss Ursula Robbins as the Secretary and Mr James Robinson as the Treasurer, announced that the total funds in hand amounted to about £2000. A loan of equal sum was being raised, and the combined sum of £4000 would enable a start to be made on the building of the Church, the total cost of which was estimated at about £10,000.
At St. Christopher's, plans were being made following this announcement for the cutting of the first turf. The ceremony was planned for the 11th of July 1936 and the people were exhorted to “make it a day when the whole parish rejoices”. There was to be a great procession round the parish with banners and spades, and then on the flag bedecked site “we all start digging”.
In the event it rained, but this did not damp the spirits of the youthful banner bearers and diggers, who were led by Lady Helen Cassel and the Rural Dean. It was truly great day for which some had been praying for twenty years. But this was only the beginning.
© Luton St Christopher 2008