Visitation services are held each summer following the election of churchwardens at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). These services, which take place across the diocese, mark the formal admission of parish churchwardens to their office, with sidespersons and PCC members also making declarations of support.
Visitation services are an important part of the Church calendar with special legal significance. A churchwarden is not considered to be in office until they are officially admitted by an archdeacon. Historically, when churchwardens were admitted, they would report on the moral standing of the clergy, the state of the parish, the condition of the church, and the administration of divine service. Today, visitation services focus on prayer, encouragement, and support, offering an opportunity to celebrate the vital role and work of churchwardens. These services also provide a chance to meet fellow churchwardens, Area Deans, and your Archdeacon.
The visitation form to display on your church door is available for download in two formats:
The 2025 services take place on the following dates:
Archdeaconry of Manchester
7:30pm, Weds 11 June - St George Chadderton
7:30pm, Thurs 19 June - Holy Family Failsworth
7:30pm, Tues 24 June - Manchester Cathedral
7:30pm, Mon 30 June - Holy Trinity Platt
Archdeaconry of Bolton
7:30pm, Weds 11 June - Bury Parish Church
7:30pm, Thurs 12 June - St Mary, Rawtenstall
7:30pm, Weds 25 June - Bolton Parish Church
Archdeaconry of Rochdale
7:30pm, Mon 9 June - St Mary in the Baum
7:30pm, Thurs 12 June - Oldham Parish Church
7:30pm, Thurs 19 June - St Leonard Middleton
7:30pm, Weds 25 June - Christ Church Ashton-under-Lyne
Archdeaconry of Salford
7:30pm, Tues 15 July - St Mark Worsley