A COMMUNITY gathered at a service last night to remember Timothy Hackworth and mark the opening of the museum he inspired.

Hackworth's great great-grandchildren were among the congregation at the service, organised by Shildon's Churches Together and the Hackworth Society, at the town's Methodist Church.

Great great-grandson Father Ulick Loring travelled from London for the service, and read from a bible belonging to Hackworth's grandson, George Young.

It was a fitting tribute to Hackworth, who was a deeply religious man. He was devoted to the Methodist church and often preached on Sundays.

Afterwards, some of the congregation followed Fr Loring, Georgiana de Lussy and Jane Hackworth-Young to their great-great grandfather's statue, in Hackworth Park, where a wreath was laid in his honour.

Fr Loring and Miss Hackworth Young said that although their ancestor would have been honoured by the opening of the museum, the religious service would have been more special to him.

Miss Hackworth-Young said: "I think that this service was just for him. It was to remember a modest man and I think everybody spoke beautifully. It is wonderful to think that 150 years after his death, we are having a service for him."

Fr Loring said: "However gratified he would be that his work has been recognised, it would have meant more that the different cultures in the community came together in such a way to remember him."

Published: 27/09/2004