ONE hundred and fifty years in the future, parishioners at a Reigate church will open a sealed yellow case for a glimpse of life in 2013.
The time capsule, containing newspapers, photos, letters, and a roll of honour listing everyone present at Sunday's service, was buried in front of St Philip's Church, in Nutley Lane, to mark its first 150 years.
The medium of paper as communication may be alien to a congregation unearthing the time capsule's secrets in 2163, but the well-attended church hopes to be still going strong.
Bishop of Croydon Jonathan Clark joined the Rev John Scott and parishioners to celebrate the landmark birthday with a service of thanks on Sunday.
Rev Scott said: "We had a great time.
"The bishop was great. People really appreciated him coming. He gave a lovely sermon and talked about the future.
"The capsule contained a letter from the bishop, and a letter from the reverend for those who come in the future to remember us.
"The Sunday papers went in and the Surrey Mirror went in right on top – the edition with the local elections, so it will be interesting to know what has happened [in politics] in 150 years time."
The church was founded in 1863. Churchwarden Martin Wilkie said: "It was almost a paupers church when it was built for the workers of Reigate. It was bequeathed by the Philips family 150 years ago and I don't think anyone thought, with all the changes in the Church and the fact that it is a small parish, that it would survive 150 years.
"But it is a very busy little church; it's had the church hall renovated so it is a local facility as well. It has a vigorous congregation. It's very well mixed with the usual older brigade, but quite a lot of families too.
"It has kept its head above water. This [time capsule project] is to show it's got a future."
