The city’s tallest church is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

St Bartholomew’s in Ann Street, Brighton, started a six-month programme of events on Easter Sunday.

The first service was held at the church on September 8, 1874.

The 135ft high building is the tallest in Brighton and is said to be the tallest parish church in Britain.

“Our church reveals to our parish and city the beauty of holiness, which can be experienced by all the senses,” said parish priest Father Ben Eadon.

“Thanks to the work of Henry Wilson between 1899 and 1908, including the baldacchino, pulpit and font, our church speaks even more powerfully of the majesty of God.

The Argus: St Bart's is the tallest church in the British IslesSt Bart's is the tallest church in the British Isles (Image: Supplied)

“I invite you to join with us in celebrating this great heritage and history our Brighton church has.”

A baldacchino is a large structure which acts as a visual focus within the church and is supposed to form a visual mediation between the enormous scale of the building and people in the church.

St Bartholomew’s was commissioned by Father Arthur Wagner and designed by architect Edmund Scott in an Italian Gothic style. 

Father Arthur was the son of a priest and built the church in what was then one of the poorer areas of Brighton at his own expense.  The Anglo-Catholic church has the tallest church roof in the British Isles and attracts visitors all year round.

The special anniversary programme began on Sunday with The Bishop of Lewes presiding and preaching and the musicians of St Bart’s performing. 

During the summer there will be a variety of events both at the church and other venues, including the Brighton Chamber Choir, organ recitals, lectures and heritage days. 

The programme culminates in a fundraising gala dinner on October 4 which will officially launch redevelopment plans for the historic building.