St Matthias Church in Stoke Newington marked its 172nd anniversary in style on Sunday 11 May, with a joyful Patronal Festival Mass and a lively garden party that brought the whole parish community together.
Festivities kicked off in the early afternoon with a BBQ in the church grounds, where families and friends gathered under sunny skies to enjoy good food and great company. The celebrations were set to a vibrant soundtrack, thanks to performances from The Chorus of Dissent, Elastic Band, and the Stoke Newington Air Cadets, who filled the air with music.
A grand cake was unveiled to mark the milestone, and as the day turned to evening, the congregation gathered for a special Festival Mass. Bishop Joanne joined the occasion as guest preacher, while Fr David Lambert, vicar of St Matthias, led the service.
It was a day of warmth, worship, and community spirit—honouring the rich history of St Matthias and celebrating the people who make the parish what it is today.
