Religious history will be made when Anglicans and non-conformists officially join forces under one roof.

Members of Denholme Edge Church United Reformed Church and Baptists and St Paul’s C of E Church are to worship together in a new partnership, as Denholme Shared Church.

It is the first time in Yorkshire that an Anglican congregation has moved into a non-conformist building.

A special service to mark the occasion will be held at Denholme Edge on Sunday, 3pm.

Present will be the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Rev David James, the Moderator of the URC Yorkshire Synod Rev Kevin Watson and the Regional Minister of the Baptist Church Rev Ernie Whalley.

Both congregations now worship at the former Independent chapel which has been home to Denholme Edge Church since the 70s and to St Paul’s since September.

During the service the Bishop will dedicate two stained glass windows which have been restored and recently installed in the building.

They were removed from St Paul’s Church when it closed in 1996 due to extensive dry rot.

Anne Jay, churchwarden of St Paul’s, said: “The gift of the windows embraces the Christian heritage of the village and brings together a new venture of faith.

“Worshippers will be able to enjoy the beauty of the windows for many years to come.”

Judith Drake, secretary of Denholme Edge, added: “Both congregations have supported and enjoyed working together over the years and the commitment of coming together as Denholme Shared Church in one building has opened a new and exciting opportunity to further a Christian presence within Denholme.”

* The ‘Joshua’ window, which came from the south aisle of the nave, was designed by Henry Ellis Waldridge and made by Powell Brothers, Leeds, in 1887.

The ‘Christ calming the storm’ window was situated in the nave, north aisle, and was in memory of late parishioners Arthur and Percy Shackleton. It was also made by Powell Brothers, Leeds – in 1890.