A CONGREGATION which can trace its roots back to the golden age of Warrington's industrial past is gearing up to celebrate a special anniversary.

Last Saturday marked 100 years since the foundation stone was laid at the Workingmen's Mission, in Thewlis Street.

With a fighting fund of £1,000 the mission, which originally pulled much of its membership from Crosfield's and its Bank Quay neighbours, constructed an institution still thriving today.

Impressive even by modern standards, it took only 12 months, from initial talks to construction, for the chapel to be completed.

Soap magnate John Crosfield provided the original chapel, located within the factory walls, after he heard workers were meeting informally in nearby houses.

But by 1900, with Crosfield's looking to expand, a new site was required. John Crosfield's second wife Gertrude provided £200, echoing her late husband's commitment to the mission, with the firm providing £300.

The foundation stone was laid by Captain George Rowlandson Crosfield, son of benefactor John.

Modern-day president Dennis Davies confirmed that a series of events were planned to mark 100 years of services at the chapel.