A FORMER church in Hartlepool celebrating its 111th birthday is appealing for old photos and people’s memories of the historic building.

The management committee of St Matthew’s Hall in Elwick Road, Hartlepool, which operated as St Matthew’s Mission Church from 1902 until it was de-consecrated in 1945, plans to unveil a ‘history wall’ at a party on June 29.

Barbara Butcher, treasurer, said: “St Matthew’s is 111-years-old and still going strong at the heart of the community in the town’s Stranton Parish. We intend to celebrate this with an afternoon of fun for all ages.

“The history wall will be a key feature of the event which will take place from 1pm to 4pm, and although we already have a number of photos we are keen to obtain as many as possible.

“One lady recently brought in a couple of photos of the church choir so we know there are pictures out there.

“We would also happily record people’s recollections in written form and include them on the wall. For example, we know that a lot of christenings took place at St Matthew’s Mission Church so it would be great if we could find someone who was actually christened there.”

Anyone with photographs or other information can email barbara-butcher@virginmedia.com and tickets for the anniversary party on June 29 are available for £1 each by calling Barbara Butcher on 01429-298241 or Carol Laud on 01429-290290.