FOR centuries faith has helped many to see the light at the end of the tunnel even when the future seemed dark.

And churches have always been the embodiment of that faith.

This is how Harwich's St Nicholas' Church became a safe haven for many and a key landmark for community events throughout the years.

So, marking 200 years since its consecration in July will not only be a big milestone for the church, but for every person in the historic town.

The church has proudly stood on its site since 1177 when the Chappele of Herewyche was founded by Roger Bigod, also known as the first Earl of Norfolk.

Together with the Church of Dovercourt, it was then given to the Monks of Abendon at Colne (Earls Colne).

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: The church has proudly stood on its site since 1177The church has proudly stood on its site since 1177

According to the Harwich Society, the church has also been used by crusaders to rest following the Banner of the Cross across Europe to the Holy Land.

Well-known stalwarts such as Samuel Pepys, who was twice the MP for Harwich, Willoughby, Drake, Howard, Frobisher, Nelson and Daniel Defoe have almost certainly attended the church while staying in Harwich.

Margaret Shaw, who is the rector of the Church of England parish in Harwich, said: “St Nicholas' Church was rebuilt after the original church fell into a bad state of repair.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Blessed - Margaret Shaw, rector of the Church of England parish in Harwich and churchwarden Janet GoodallBlessed - Margaret Shaw, rector of the Church of England parish in Harwich and churchwarden Janet Goodall

“It was completed in 1822 and then it was consecrated, which means it was blessed by the bishop on July 20, 1822.

“It was built on the site of the old church and we still have a baptismal font which was in the original church.”

The new building cost around £20,000 and was made of London brick and coade stone in a simple Gothic style.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Inside St Nicholas Church Inside St Nicholas Church

The breathtaking place has a tower and spire with eight bells, as well as a nave, aisles, galleries and chancel.

It was also designed to seat 1,500 people, making it the largest church in the district.

Interesting records from the Harwich society show the Dutch tiles at the back were presented by the late Arnold Cann, who removed them from a house in West Street, where they were reused to line pantry.

Some of the tiles depict scenes from the Old and New Testament such as Adam and Eve being driven from the Garden of Eden, the Sacrifice of Isaac, The Flood, Noah and the Ark, Moses in the Bullrushes, and the Dividing of the Water.

As part of its anniversary celebrations, St Nicholas' Church is now inviting the whole community to get involved by submitting personal memories, stories and photographs of why the church is important to them.

Margaret added: “We will then put together and display everyone’s contributions in church as part of the ongoing celebrations.

“We want to fill the church with those stories because that is what the church is abut – it is about people and helping them on all stages of their lives.

“We will have on display an accounts book which recorded all that took place for the rebuilding of the new St Nicholas' Church and how much it cost."

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Special celebrations will mark the anniversarySpecial celebrations will mark the anniversary

To mark the event, there will be a special short service of thanksgiving on July 20 with cake-cutting and a peal of bells at 11.15am.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a traditional Parish Fete in St Nicholas' grounds on July 23 between 11am and 3pm.

There will also be a parish service with the new bishop of Chelmsford Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani on July 24 at 11am.

If you would like to contribute, contact Janet Goodall on jek@gmx.co.uk or 07960 576978 or Diane Butler on 01255 506298.

Contributions should be made by July 10.