ONE-hundred years ago a new building joined the ever-growing Bude skyline, St Peter’s Catholic Church.

On June 27, the Catholic Parish of St Cuthbert Mayne came together to mark this remarkable milestone with a special centenary Mass, led by the recently appointed Bishop of Plymouth Nicholas Hudson, together with three priests Fr David Mead, Fr Kevin O’Connell (both retired) and Fr John Deeny.

The Mission Church, dedicated to St Peter, was completed and opened for public worship on Tuesday, June 29, 1926, which coincided with the feast of St Peter and St Paul. Mass was celebrated at 10am after the building was blessed.

One-hundred years later, that Mass was replicated, with the liturgy itself representing the community’s thanksgiving not only for the building, but for generations of parishioners whose “prayer, service and commitment have shaped the community over the past hundred years”.

Those attending were also pleased to welcome representatives from both Caritas Plymouth and CAFOD, two important Catholic charities.

The spokesperson added: “Their presence helped to underline that our worship of Christ is always expressed in practical love and service of others.”

After the Mass, around 50 people enjoyed a generous spread of food and drink, a joyful and abundant gathering that ensured no one went home hungry.

No centenary celebration would be complete without cake, with the first slice being cut by the Bishop, ably assisted by the children.

The spokesperson added: “A simple but memorable moment that brought together past, present and future in a very tangible way.

“The day was a fitting celebration of faith, community and continuity. It honoured those who built and sustained St Peter’s over the past century, and it also looked forward in hope to the years ahead, as the parish continues to grow in faith and service under the loving lordship of Jesus Christ.”