FIFTY years ago there was much joy when a Newport church was rebuilt and re-opened more than five years after a devastating fire destroyed the historic original building.

Half a century later, the congregation of Holy Trinity Church are preparing for a programme of celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the restoration.

Ernest Fuller, parish treasurer, looked back on the terrible time of the fire and the way the people responded to the challenge to rebuild the Christchurch landmark as well as forward to the anniversary events.

He said the cause of the blaze on November 5, 1949, was unknown but when daughter church St John's in Maindee also burnt down a week later, it was concluded that it was an arson attack. "On the Sunday morning, the day after the fire, with the church still smouldering, the heartbroken morning service congregation assembled in the Church Hall and that became their church for the next five and a half years.

"At that first service in the hall, the Reverend Reginald King, vicar of the Parish, threw out a challenge to the people of Christchurch to rebuild. "He said, not a replica of what we had lost but a church to stamp our age on the world."

It was found that the 700-year-old Norman church had been under-insured and a restoration fund was launched. George Pace, of York, was commissioned to design the new building - the same architect who had designed the building of the King George Vl Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle.

While they waited for the rebuilding to take place, the hall was licensed for marriages and funerals.

"When the new church was completed and ready to be occupied, in spite of the joy there was an element of sadness that we were leaving the church hall building that we had been so happy in," said Mr Fuller.

But the great day of the rededication arrived and on April 7, 1955, the Bishop of Monmouth led the special service.