Bolton Pub Makes History as Unlikely Venue for Church Baptism

For most people, a trip to the local pub is about catching up with friends over a pint. But for 83-year-old Mike McGarry, it became the setting for something far more profound — a baptism.

The former teacher and Royal Navy veteran was recently baptised at The Mosley Arms in Breightmet, Bolton, making him one of the latest members of a growing congregation gathering weekly at the Joseph Holt-owned pub. The venue doubles as a place of worship as part of the Church of England’s New Life Church initiative — a pioneering movement bringing church to unconventional settings.

“I was christened C of E over 80 years ago, and now I’ve been born again,” said Mike. “It felt brilliant. It was absolutely wonderful — a real family affair with my wife Joan, our children and grandchildren there, as well as members of the church.”

Mike’s baptism was conducted by Reverend Ben Woodfield, a Church of England vicar and co-leader of the Antioch Network — a Diocese of Manchester project focused on building churches in “harder to reach” communities, such as council estates and inner cities.

“For us as Christians, Jesus went to where people gathered,” said Rev. Woodfield. “Pubs are where people experience life’s big moments — weddings, birthdays, wakes — so holding services and baptisms here is a perfect fit. It’s informal, people feel relaxed, they sing and pray. To have a church here is just beautiful.”

Weekly services have been held at The Mosley Arms for three years, transforming the traditional Lancashire pub into one of the most unusual — and welcoming — church venues in the UK. Baptisms at the pub have ranged from young adults in their twenties to octogenarians like Mike.

The idea for a church at The Mosley Arms came about when a friend approached landlady Bernadette Bates about using the pub as a worship space. She immediately said yes.

“I thought it was a wonderful idea,” she said. “I’m C of E and really enjoy my religion, but some people may be reluctant to go into a traditional church. Our pub provides an informal alternative, yet we are still very much in the heart of the community.”

Bernadette believes the partnership is a natural fit for the Joseph Holt brewery, which has always focused on community at the core of its ethos. Established in Manchester 175 years ago by weaver’s son Joseph Holt, the independent, family-run company remains in the same family six generations on and now owns 127 pubs across the North West.

“Joseph Holt pubs are so much more than places to eat and drink,” she added. “We really are a place where people come together.”

For Mike, the experience has been life-affirming. “The church has a lovely atmosphere at The Mosley — it’s a place people can really relate to,” he said. “This has been a wonderful initiative by Joseph Holt.”