St Johns church in Langrish has served the local community for over 150 years. On 28 January we continued to celebrate the anniversary of the consecration of the church.

The church was founded by George Waddington, predecessor to the current Talbot-Ponsonby family living in Langrish House. Sadly George died before the church was completed so his brother John finalised the build. It was consecrated by the Bishop of Winchester Samuel Wilberforce in 1871. He was the fifth son of William Wilberforce who led the campaign to abolish slavery in 1807. The Diocese of Winchester was spread widely at that time and included parts of Surrey so the Bishop was a busy travelling man.

The service was led by the newly arrived priest in charge Reverend Tony Forrest and also retired Canon Reverend Terry Louden. In addition the family of Nigel and Robina Talbot-Ponsonby attended, along with Reverend Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby and his wife Jill, also a priest. It was Nigel Talbot-Ponsonby who took the first reading.

The service was attended by congregations from the Upper Meon Benefice which includes East Meon, West Meon and Warnford along with Langrish and also the East Meon choir. After the service refreshments were served.

Whilst the future of Langrish church is in the Portsmouth Diocesan hands, the church will continue to hold services for as long as is possible. The churchyard is a separate entity and will remain open for all the community.