A TAVISTOCK church will celebrate its 350th birthday in the town this weekend.

The United Reformed Church will hold a special service on Sunday at 10am to which all are welcome, led by Rev Roberta Rominger, general secretary of the United Reformed Church. The service will be followed by several short talks about 'The Journey from 1662' including one from Dr Susan Hardman Moore from Edinburgh University who recently published a transcription of 'The Diary of Thomas Larkham, 1647-1669'.

The Rev Thomas Larkham was the vicar of Tavistock from 1648 to 1660. He was a controversial leader and met with great resentment from some influential parishioners who wanted the church to continue as in times before the Commonwealth period.

On the restoration of the monarchy Thomas Larkham was ejected from his living but a group of parishioners who approved of his reforms left with him and an Independent Congregation was eventually formed which worshipped at the Abbey Chapel in Bedford Square.

Between 1660 and 1662 more than 2,000 clergymen lost their livings because they would not conform to the beliefs and new practices of the Church of England and because they wanted freedom of conscience in matters of religion.

 An exhibition 'The Journey from 1662' also opens on Sunday, explaining the life and contribution to the town of this lively fellowship. It can be viewed on Saturday mornings between 10am and noon from May 5 until the end of September. Admission is free.

The Rev Roger Cornish said: 'Tavistock United Reformed Church is proud of its roots and history and the way its belief in the freedom of conscience in matters of religion continues to enable it to develop and grow in its faith and witness.

'In recent times this can be seen in its community café 'The Lower Deck Café', in offering 'Tavistock Area Foodbank' a home and gives many organisations a place to meet.'