The Story of 60 Years
A Short History
OF
St. PAUL'S CHURCH,
BLACKHEATH
(Including the mission and Schools)
A COMMEMORATION OF THE
DIAMOND JUBILEE of the CHURCH
FEBRUARY 4th, 1929
Compiled by
Rec. C. D. Banks Gale,
VICAR
D. W. Price, Printer, Blackheath,
A FOREWORD
In 1908 the late Mr. W. Swallow (at one time Churchwarden of the Church), compiled a most useful little book entitled "History of Blackheath Church (St. Paul's), It's Missions and Schools." This very estimable little book is no doubt in the houses of many people in Blackheath, and reflects great credit on the author. At the conclusion of the preface in that book, Mr. Swallow wrote: "As the first Vicar died only 15 years ago, his successors can readily be called to mind at present, but 20 years hence they may be forgotten if not recorded."
The 20 years have passed by, and it occurred to the present Vicar that this History of our Church, revised and brought up-to-date, would be most acceptable to many people as a memento of the Diamond Jubilee of the Church, which will be celebrated on February 4th, 1929.
Our Church is comparatively modern and cannot boast of any ancient associations, yet it is hoped that this new edition will revive in the minds of readers many important events in the life of our Parish.
Much of the following matter has been taken from Mr. Swallow's book, and, in addition, all the old Parish Magazines have been re-read, while I am most grateful to Mr. A. J. J. Price for so kindly writing the opening chapter.
C. D. BANKS GALE.
CONTENTS
Chapter
I. ANCIENT HISTORY of the DISTRICT
ll. The ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH -
lll. The FABRIC of the PARISH CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD, with the VICARAGE
IV. The SPIRITUAL LIFE of the CHURCH, INCLUDING the VICARS AND LAY WORKERS
V. The MISSIONS (ST. JAMES, COOMBS WOOD and CAUSEWAY GREEN)
V1. The CHURCH DAY SCHOOLS (LONG LANE, COOMBS WOOD and CAUSEWAY GREEN)
Vll. The GREAT WAR, 1914-1918
Vlll. MISCELLANEOUS, INCLUDING STATISTICS, SPECIAL SERVICES, etc.
[Although Blackheath parish is comparatively modern, and can boast of little of historical interest, it has been thought advisable to devote the opening chapter of this book to a survey of the district in past days. The following chapter has been kindly written by Mr. A. J. J. Price, who is an authority on old history, and to whom the Vicar is most grateful for this helpful contribution.]
ANCIENT HISTORY of the DISTRICT.
The whole of the district around us is historical ground. We have only to mention Offa of Mercia, Kenelm, Doomsday Book, King John, Halesowen Abbey, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, King Charles I, the Civil Wars, the flight of the Regicides on the Restoration, the flight of the companions of Guy Fawkes upon the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, and the agitation leading to the passing of the Reform Bill, as being names and events connected with the district about which much could be written.
The geology of the district is most interesting. In the Carboniferous era, the whole of the district was covered with tropical vegetation, amongst which roamed many monsters of the type usually called antediluvian, or perhaps more correctly, pre-historic. This is evidenced by the underlying beds of coal. Thousands of years afterwards the whole area was covered by an arctic sea, through which the underlying Subterraneous fires thrust up the Rowley Hill cone of basaltic rock. As it rose incandescent from below into the overlying sea, the molten lava at first was cooled suddenly and took a globular form. Many of these rounded boulders can even now be found on the slopes of the Rowley Hill, especially near the Oldbury Road.
Ages after this, the waters subsided and left behind the beds of clay, and the sand and gravel, which are so prominent a feature in the district. The watery covering divided. To the North and East, generally speaking, the water drained away towards the districts we now call Oldbury, Birmingham and Northfield, and thence into the Trent and the North Sea. The other portion flowed towards the South and West, scooping out many valleys and coombes (note, Coombs Wood, Waterfall, and the Mucklow's Hill slope) on its way to the making of the Stour Valley and its final destination in the Atlantic via the River Severn. It is possible to trace the watershed from Rowley Top across Brand Hall to Quinton and thence to Frankley. For ages the district of Hill and Cakemore was water-logged and even in the present day its drainage - though its elevation above sea-level is so great - presents many difficulties.
It is owing to this fact that the neighbourhood has very little history from the social point of view, but for the opening up of the area by the cutting of the canal and the vent given when the railway was cut, the place might have still remained a heath or a moor.
The name Black Heath originally was Bleak Heath, and within the memory of some still living there was a notice somewhere near the top of Waterfall with regards, I believe, to tolls for passage upon the road to Oldbury, on which the name was given as Bleak Heath.
The name Cakemore is mentioned in "Worcestershire Place Names," by Duignan. He can find no satisfactory origin for the name, but refers to a place in Scotland named Carrickmuir and the surname Cakebould as giving some clue for future investigators.
It is possible that some of the cultivated land of Halesowen mentioned in Doomsday Book (1086) was situated on the slopes of Hill.
In 1218 the Abbey of Halesowen was founded by virtue of a grant made by King John of England to Peter des Roches, his Justidal". The Premonstratensian Order, or White Canons, who abode in it wore as a habit a white cassock with a white rochet over it, a long white cloak, and a white cap to match.
In 1277 a lawsuit was brought against the Abbot by the tenants of various townships on the manor, and Hill is mentioned.
In 1281 the scribe of the Abbot's Court recorded that Agnes, wife of one William Bird, had given up to Thomas, her eldest son, all the land which she owned on condition that she should have, among other things, 5 cart-loads of coal on the next All Saints' Day. This shows that the newly discovered mineral was not without value.
It was about 30 years previous to this that coal had been discovered in Halesowen, as early as anywhere else in Worcestershire. So far as can be ascertained, it was first found in the Hill township, not far from the present Coombes Wood Colliery. When discovered, the coal was not used for smelting the iron ore but for working the iron when smelted. The actual smelting was done with wood charcoal, and it was to make this charcoal that all the local forests were denuded, until Dud Dudley, in the reign of Charles I, began to experiment and succeeded in smelting iron ore with coal at his forges at Sedgley and Cradley. The discovery gave a great impetus to this district.
The Abbot of Halesowen was overlord of the Manor, and in 1274 it is recorded that he allowed William of Hill to have two coalpits in his township of Hill in return for an annual rent of ten and a half marks. These early, coalpits were surface mines and, as a rule, were entered by sloping tunnels. In 1307 the Abbot granted a mining lease to two men, Henry of Hill and Henry le Knight for a payment of four pounds.
In 1529, a few years before the Abbey was dissolved, the monks established a chapel at Oldbury. Before that time the people of Oldbury had been obliged to tramp to Halesowen Church across the dreary "Bleak Heath," which in winter and rainy seasons was a welter of floods and swamps.
In 1549 the executors of John Parkes of Cacmur paid for his " berrall in the new yele (aisle) the sum of llls. llld." \\lhen the manor of Halesowen passed, about the year 1550 into the hands of Sir ] ohn Lyttleton of Frankley (ancestor of the present Viscount Cobham) for £2,000, the important and large but outlying township of Oldbury became detached. Its distance from the Abbey and the bogginess of the intervening "bleak heath" and moor of Cakemore caused a severance of interests.
In the Churchwardens' Accounts of Halesowen in 1612 "John Ditheridge plomber (plumber)" is given as the person responsible for collection in the Cakemore Quarter, and John Deelye is named as the one for Hill. In 1617 the collector for Hill was William Underhill, and in 1618 "John Ditheridge ye yonger (younger)" is appointed a sides man to help and guide the churchwardens at Halesowen. In 1618 John Lowe was sides man for Hill and the Collector of the money for the Poor in the Hill quarter is given as Hendry Pearsall. In 1620 the Overseer for the Poor in Hill was Richard Westwood and the Collector for the Hill quarter was WaIter Hodgetts. Again, in 1624, John Detheridge of Cackmore is mentioned.
It is curious to see how these names, Detheridge, Hodgetts, Parkes and Underhill have persisted in the neighbourhood for so many centuries.
An ancestor of the Hurst Green Detheridge family was in Oliver Cromwell's Ironsides, and there was a peculiar tenure of land known as the Liberty of Cakemore, which deserves the investigation of the curious.
The district of Brand Hall has its legends. It is said that near the pool there are the remains of an ancient chapelry dedicated to St. Brindilla, or Brandillas, a devout lady who, like St. Brade of Oldbury, had connections with the Priory at Dudley.
There were many years ago loose stone walls separating the fields. In one of them was found a pot or urn of Roman coins, some of which are now in the British Museum. They were found on the slope of Rowley Hill near the Oldbury Road.
In the last century a collection of coins was found in excavating sand in Dogney's Meadow in Cakemore but the position of this meadow cannot now be traced.
The celebrated Reformer, Thomas Attwood, the first M.P. for Birmingham, had his home at Cakemore House. That house was probably the one in Masters Lane, formerly the home of the Hodgetts' family.
THE ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH OF BLACKHEATH.
In 1865, it was decided to form this new parish as the population was 5,400, and a site was bought for the church. On January 4th, 1867, this site was conveyed to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, while at the beginning of 1869 a petition, signed by Rev. C. H. Hone (Rector of Halesowen), Rev. T. Ward (Vicar of Rowley), Rev. C. H. Oldfield (Rector of The Quinton), and Messrs. Joseph Pearman and Thomas White (Wardens of The Quinton), was sent to the Bishop of Worcester stating that the church was ready, and asking that it might be consecrated. This was performed by the Bishop of Worcester on February 4th, 1869. In the London Gazette of July 9th, 1869, there was signed an Order in Council constituting the Consolidated Chapelry of St. Paul, Blackheath, and attached to this Order in Council was a map showing the boundaries of the Parish. [The above documents are kept in the Muniment Room at Queen's College, Birmingham, having been transferred from the Worcester Diocese Registry when the parish was transferred to the Birmingham Diocese.]
The parish was therefore formed out of the parishes of Halesowen, The Quinton and Rowley Regis, the portion from Halesowen being the parish of Hill, that from The Quinton being the parish of Cakemore, both these parishes being in Worcestershire, that from Rowley Regis being in Staffordshire and known now as the Blackheath Ward of Rowley Regis Urban District Council.
As the largest portion of the parish was Cakemore, it would be correct to say that " The Quinton " is the " Mother" Church of our Church.
The parish comprises the following Streets :-Ashes Road, Ashley Street, Avenue Road, Beaumont Road, Beach Street, Beeches Road, Beet Street, Belgrave Road, Birmingham Road (on right side from Blackheath, as far as the old farm, now demolished for Council houses; on left side as far as Mr. Harper's Garage), Cakemore Road, Cardale Street, Causeway Road, Causeway Green Road (one side up to and including the Hen and Chickens Hotel, and the other side as far as Pool Lane), Chapel Street, Church Street, Clement Road, Clifton Street, Cock sheds Lane, Coombs Wood Buildings, Cross Street, Culmore Road, Darby Street, Douglas Road, Fairfield Road, Feldon Lane (one side of the road), Gorsty Hill, Green Lane, Halesowen Street, Hackett Street, High Street, Highfield Road, Holly Road, Hope Street, Holt Road, Hurst Green (including all the houses in the new Housing Estate), John Street, Long Lane (the boundary being Springfield Road on one side and Feldon Lane on the other), Malt Mill Lane, Maple Road, Marlow Street, Masters Lane, Mott Street, Narrow Lane (as far as where Feldon Lane joins this road), New John Street, Nimmings Road, Oak Barn Road, Oldbury Road (all the houses on side of road nearest the Church, but on the other side from Handel Hotel to the beginning of the new houses), Olive Lane, Park Street, Payne Street, Pencricket Lane, Perry Park Road, Pool Lane (one side of the road only, that nearest Blackheath), Pound Road, Powke Lane (left side only, approaching it from the High Street), Short Street, Springfield Road (one side only), Southwick Road, Station Lane, Tory Street, Terrace Street, Union Street, Vicarage Road, Victoria Road, Waterfall Lane, West Street, Woodland Road, Whiteheath (right side only of Oldbury Road from Blackheath as far as the New Hotel.
THE FABRIC OF THE CHURCH.
About the year 1865 it was decided, on account of the growing population of this district, that the time was opportune for the making of a new ecclesiastical parish and to build a new Church to meet the spiritual requirements of the people living in this district. To meet this urgent need an appeal was issued by Archdeacon Hone (Rector of Halesowen) to various influential people. He received a generous response, including £2,450 from Earl of Dudley, £2,000 from Delta, £550 from Worcester Church Extension Society, and £200 from the Incorporated Church Building Society, besides donations from many other subscribers and collections from neighbouring churches.
Thus encouraged, a site was purchased for a church and churchyard for £600, and a church capable of seating 700 adults and 150 children was designed by Mr. Hopkins, of Worcester.
The foundation Stone was laid on April 18th, 1868, by the Countess of Dudley, the Earl of Dudley being also present, while a very large number of people also assembled. Unfortunately, this " foundation stone," which was laid at the north-east corner of the Church is not now visible, being covered by the brickwork of the buttress.
The work of building the Church was carried out by Mr. James Wilson, of Handsworth, and within ten months the Church was finished, the climax being reached when Bishop Philpotts (Bishop of Worcester) performed the Consecration Service on February 4th, 1869.
The total cost of the Church was £7,033 16s. 3d., the whole debt being cleared off within two years of the opening. [It is interesting to note that the Church is to-day insured for the sum of £24,000.]
The Church is a noble building, and of its kind is a good example, the lofty nave being much admired. Unfortunately, the Church was not completed, no tower being built, probably through lack of funds, although the foundations for such were laid. To-day, after 60 years, the Church is still incomplete in this respect. To some of us to-day it seems that the money spent on making the nave so lofty could well have been spent on the tower.
At various times the completion of the Church has occupied the attention of our churchpeople, and schemes have been suggested and money raised towards this object.
In 1902 the Vicar (Rev. S. Phillips) called attention to the desire on the part of many to complete the Church by the erection of the tower, and said that the cost would be about £2,000. Again, later in July, 1917, a meeting was held to consider this same proposal, when a resolution was passed that it should be done and a small committee was appointed to deal with the question.
In the meantime for some years small sums of money had been put aside for this object, and in August, 1918, the fund stood at £195. On November 3rd, 1918, the Vicar, in announcing a Special Service of Commemoration for those killed in the War, wrote that "all collections on this day will be given to make up a sum of £60 to £77 10s., with which the Vicar and Wardens will buy £100 worth of War Savings Certificates on 'Gun Day' in Blackheath"
However, in April, 1922, when the land for the extension of the churchyard was purchased, it was decided to temporarily transfer the amount then standing to the Church Completion Fund (£619 14s. 9d.) to the Churchyard Extension Fund.
Although the exterior of the Church has remained practically the same since it was built, many great improvements have been carried out, mainly through the generosity of individuals and of our churchpeople collectively.
We will now enumerate the chief of these improvements :-
The Chancel. - For nearly 50 years the furniture of the chancel was of the plainest description. A curtain hung under the window with an oak communion table in front, covered by a plain linen cloth.
In 1897 a stone reredos was erected to the memory of Rev. P. Keatch, the first Vicar of the parish for 24 years. The reredos extends the whole width of the chancel in a series of sculptured panels. The central portion consists of three pointed and foliated bays with pinnacles and background of white marble. The central bay contains a coloured marble cross, and the outer ones are occupied by sculptured figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. The cost was £90 and was raised by donations from old friends of the first Vicar.
On June 19th, 1902, the Dean of Worcester (Dr. Forrest) unveiled and dedicated a stained glass window placed in the east end in commemoration of the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. This window is a three-light one, the centre being a representation of the Crucifixion, and on either side representations of the Annunciation and the Nativity. At the bottom of the three panels there is a crown, flanked on either side by the letters E and R. The cost was £80 and was raised by subscriptions, mainly through the efforts of Mr. J. Tooth.
In 1915 Mr. Henry Targett, a faithful member of the Church, died, and in his will bequeathed the sum of £50 to the Church. This money was utilised in erecting a wrought-iron chancel screen, which was dedicated by Bishop Fyson on January 23rd, 1916. A brass tablet near the screen records that; "To the Glory of God this screen was erected by Henry Targett and his wife Eleanor. 1916."
In this same year (1916) other valuable gifts were dedicated by Bishop Fyson on May 2lst. They were;-
(a) A beautiful carved and painted altar, the gift of Mrs. G. B. Parkes, Haywood House, Halesowen; who also gave
(b) A carved processional cross in memory of her husband, Mr. G. B. Parkes, who was Warden for 10 years.
(c) Altar lights, by an anonymous donor.
The two sanctuary chairs were given to St. James' Mission from St. Jude's Church, Birmingham. These chairs were later placed in the Parish Church in exchange for a chair from there.
The Pulpit.-This is of wood on a Stone base with Stone steps. It is of a plain character and is of no beauty. [A good oak pulpit would be a great improvement.]
The Lectern.-The wood lectern, which served for over 30 years, was superseded by a carved white Stone pulpit, which was erected by Rev. S. Phillips as a memorial to his wife's father, Mr. Swindon, and bears the inscription: "This Lectern is erected in loving memory of Francis Swindon, who died Sep. 7, 1900, by his daughter, S. A. Phillips. Having two pulpits in the Church seems rather incongruous.
Other improvements in the Nave of the Church which have been effected during the last 60 years are :-
(a) Painting of Chancel walls in red tone, revarnishing all seats and the woodwork, refixing of the Font at the west end, converting the Clergy Vestry into one for the Choir and the building of a smaller one for the Clergy. These improvements were carried out in 1905 and were paid for as the result of a Bazaar which raised the sum of £202.
(b) A new west window was placed in the Church in December, 1903, the cost being met by subscriptions.
(c) Brass Ewer for the Font was given by the Sunday School children in December, 1905.
(d) A new Banner for Sunday School processions was dedicated on July 13, 1914. On the front id s figure of the Good Shepherd carrying a lamb, and on the reverse the figure of St. Paul. The fund for buying this was commenced by the late Phœbe Crumpton.
(e) In April 1921, by the death of Mrs. Phœbe Crumpton, a faithful worker, the Church benefited to the extent of £50 bequeathed by her. This gift was allocated to the Church Extension Fund.
The Lady Chapel.- The setting aside of a portion of the south-east corner of the Church as a Lady Chapel has been the greatest improvement in recent years. This was carried out as a War Memorial, the work being executed by Messrs. Bridgeman & Son, Lichfield, at a total cost of £220, which was raised by voluntary subscriptions, the cost of the Altar being defrayed by Mr. H. Lowe.
The Dedication Service took place on Sunday morning, February 7th, 1926, the service being conducted by Canon Petit (Vicar of Harborne), while in the afternoon there was a special service of remembrance and the unveiling of a Memorial Tablet by Lieut.-Col. F.G. Danielsen, D.S.O. The tablet bears the inscription: "This Lady Chapel was given by members of the Congregation in grateful remembrance of the men of Blackheath who gave their lives in the Great War, 1914-1918."
There was a very large number present, including Halesowen Territorials, Excelsior Works Ambulance Corps, and members of the CL.B. Stained glass windows to replace the plain ones were generously given by Mr. J. Tooth, while Miss N. Lench presented an exquisitely worked linen cloth for the Altar.
On Armistice Day, 1926, there was unveiled within the Chapel a beautiful Marble Tablet containing the names of 186 men of Blackheath who gave their lives during the War. This was the gift of an anonymous donor, and was unveiled by Cadet-Colonel B. J. T. Ford, T.D. (Commanding Birmingham CL.B.). The Church was full to overflowing and hundreds were unable to gain admission. The Excelsior Works Band and Ambulance together with a large detachment of the Birmingham CL.B. attended and the whole service was most inspiring. The Lady Chapel is much admired, the plain oak work being very striking and devotional.
The Organ.-This was built by Messrs. Brindley & Foster, Sheffield, at a cost of £521, and was opened on September 12th, 1875, the money being raised by subscriptions and collections. It was built as a three-manual organ, but the third manual has never been added.
Before this date a Harmonium had done duty. It was only a few months after the opening of the Church when Mr. Joseph Troman was appointed Organist, and he faithfully and regularly carried out his .duties for over 56 years until his death on December 12th, 1925. This was, indeed, an excellent record of service.
Of late years the Organ has shown signs of wear, and the Church Council in November, 1920, discussed the unreliable condition of the instrument. It was decided to ask a capable organist to examine and report. This was done bur the report was so bad concerning the condition of the Organ that it was decided to do nothing. However in May 1923 certain renovations were carries out at a cost of nearly £70 while the organ was cleaned in 1926.
On the death of Mr. Troman, Mr. W. H. Court was appointed Organist and Choirmaster the two duties being combined in one office. Mention should be made and tribute paid to the voluntary work of several Choirmasters previous to this. The Choir is a voluntary one, and since May 1894 a surpliced one.
Lighting of the Church.- For over 50 years the church was lighted with gas and from time to time improvements were carried out, particularly in 191 when, at a cost of nearly £70, a new system was adopted, the result being that it was claimed then that the church was one of the best lighted in the Midlands, However as time went on this new system became defective and in 1923 the lighting was so bad that it was decided to substitute the gas by the electric light. This was a great improvement, the work being carried out by Mr. H. Roberts at a cost of £148.
Heating of the Church. - The first attempts at warming the Church was by hot-water pipes laid in channels down the middle aisle, but the iron grating was only placed at intervals. This gave way in 1882 to heating by steam, and a steam boiler was obtained. However after a time this system became ineffective, and one reads of people complaining of the coldness of the Church while the draughts were the subject of complaints by the worshippers. In 1907 it was decided to have a new Heating Apparatus, and in the next year , as a result of a three day's Bazaar, about £290 was raised for this purpose. Musgrave's hot-water system was installed and is still in use.
The Churchyard - When the Church was built there was also purchased a piece of land surrounding the building to be used as a Churchyard, and this land sufficed till 1895, when it became apparent that steps had to be taken immediately to provide further accommodation for burials. It was then decided to purchase an acre of land adjoining and nearly £200 was raised for this object by subscriptions although the vicar (Rev. C. L. Bannister) wrote that "some backed out of helping this fund on the pretext that the Vicar does not wear a black gown in the pulpit." This extension was consecrated by the Bishop of Coventry on May 29th, 1896, the Cakemore Parish Council being present.
As time went on the spaces for burial became limited, so that in February 1921, the vicar called attention to the fact that the Churchyard was nearly full, and suggested that the land beyond the Churchyard as far as the Station Bridge be bought. In the following September this scheme was launched, and this portion of land (about 31/2 acres in extent, including the freehold house included in it) was purchased from Mr. D. Cook on March 25, 1922, at a cost of £1759. A portion of this land was consecrated by the Bishop of Birmingham (Dr. Russell Wakefield) November 25th, 1922, when a large number of people attended in spite of the very cold weather. Sunday February 4th 1923, was observed as Thanksgiving Sunday towards the mortgage of £1000 still owing. As a result, £383 10s 6d was given, including Messrs. Stewart and Lloyd's £100, Mr. H. Lench £50, Anonymous £50.
Towards the end of 1928, all available space in the Churchyard was being so filled up that it was decided by the Parochial Church Council to enclose another portion of the land bought in 1022. This has necessitated the building of a brick boundary wall with a wrought iron railing, the cost of such being £100. It is hoped that this new portion will be consecrated in the spring of 1929.
At the beginning of 1929 the mortgage on the Churchyard amounts to £500, nut it is hoped to reduce this amount as the result of the Diamond Jubilee Commemoration.
In writing of the Churchyard tribute should be paid to the long and faithful work of Mr. L. J. Masters, who held the office of Verger and Sexton for over 30 years from September 1895 until his death in June 1926. He was a devoted worker, who loved to do his share for the church.
It is pleasing to note that in one respect there has been a great improvement, and that is in the general conduct of the public at funerals. Frequently one reads in old magazines of the Vicar writing strongly on this subject. In March 1896, Mr. Bannister wrote "I wish I could see some reform in the manner of funerals. It seems a shocking thing that they should be made an excuse for much eating and drinking, and it makes a bad custom worse when this takes place on a Sunday. I strongly deprecate the morbid curiosity and unseemly behaviour of people."
Later vicars wrote in a similar manner. It is pleasing, therefore, to be able to record that it is different today. There is very little morbid curiosity, and the people are usually well behaved and reverent.
As regards the supervision of the Churchyard, one great omission has been the systematic recording of graves since the Churchyard was opened. Unfortunately, there is no record of graves previous to the opening of the last portion in 1922.
The Vicarage. - Where the vicarage now stands there was formerly a sand-hole, which got filled up while excavating the railway tunnel. Later a house was built upon it. Both house and land were later bought for erecting a vicarage in 1879 at a cost of £1700, half the cost being provided by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. Previous to this, the Vicar lived at a house in Malt Mill Lane, near the Nimmings. Since the vicarage was built there have been certain improvements, viz, an addition of the kitchens in the time of the Rev. S. Morgans, railings to the front in 1908, more windows in 1915 and electric light in 1912. On May 15th, 1923 the Church Council unanimously agreed that the dilapidations of the vicarage should be a charge on the Church. The vicarage is at present insured for £4000.
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH.
Having dealt with the material fabric, it is well that we should now think about the spiritual life of the Church during the last 60 years. In the first place, let us remember the work of the
REV. FREDERIC KEATCH, 1869 - 1893.
Mr. Keatch was appointed the first Vicar at the beginning of 1869, having previously served as Assistant Curate of The Quinton. To him fell the duty of beginning the Church life of the new parish. There was besides the church, only the school at Causeway Green, which was licensed for services, for the carrying on of the spiritual work, so he hired a room adjoining the Handel Hotel to hold Sunday School. He also commenced spiritual work in a room at Waterfall Lane and held cottage meetings at Gorsty Hill. As regards his churchmanship, ne would now be spoken of as a 'Low Churchman'. The ordinary morning and evening services were held on Sunday, but Holy Communion was at first only celebrated once a month, on the last Sunday after morning service (the first record of early Communion being on August 5th, 1883, and then celebrated only on the first Sunday in the month.)
The vicar himself, writing in 1872, said: "In our services in the Church we have always endeavoured to maintain a decent ritual. No dress or ornament of any kind can possibly add to real devotion, while at the same time it may produce an apparent though fictitious enthusiasm."
Amongst many things accomplished during his long ministry here were the building of Long Lane Schools and replacing an organ in the church, while he also took great interest in Night Schools and Friendly Societies.
To quote Mr. Swallow: ' His zealous work In the. parish, and his fervid utterances in the pulpit gained him the reputation of being a very saintly man, and he was held in the highest esteem by all sections of the community."
During his time here he was assisted by various Assistant Curates, viz'., Revs. J. E. Linnell, James Pnce, PhilIp Norton, Walter Insull, E. H. Hodges, S. A. Doughtery, J. Winter, H. J. Peers and E. Johnson, the last-named serving. from 1890-1900, and acting. as Curate-in-Charge during the long illness of the Vicar and remaining with subsequent incumbents. .. .
Mr. Keatch died in London after a long and painful illness on June 2Oth, 1895, and was buried at Wimbledon cemetery on June 7th, a memorial service being held at the same time at Blackheath Church.
REV. C. L. BANISTER, 1894-1897.
Mr. Banister was instituted as Vicar in February, 1894, having previously served in Natal, South Africa. He only remained three years being much troubled with a weak chest and chronic cough. He was a man of Strong character and earnest purpose, and although not a "popular" preacher, was, nevertheless, very instructive in his teaching, his motto being: "Not more Churchmen but better Churchmen."
He initiated a surpliced choir besides commencing various organisations, and was a more advanced Churchman than his predecessor. Although his incumbency was of short duration, yet some improvements were carried out, the Churchyard was extended and repairs were done to the roof of the Church, while he commenced the Parish Magazine in 1895.
During these years the Vicar was assisted in his work by Revs. W. E. Tourtel, A. T. Pallister, W. A. Woods, and R. R. Farrant in addition to Mr. Johnson mentioned before.
In November, 1896, the Vicar effected, for health reasons, an exchange for six months with Rev. S. Phillips, Vicar of Grandborough, Bucks. In the following February, Mr. Banister wrote from Grandborough to the Wardens resigning the living, having been offered the country parish of Bishampton, near Pershore. In his farewell letter he says that his great hope is "that my children walk in truth." He died at Lyme Regis on May 27th, 1914.
REV. S. PHILLIPS, 1897-1902.
Mr.Phillips had created such a good impression upon the people here during his six months' visit as mentioned above, that when the living became vacant, a deputation approached the Bishop of Worcester asking that he might be appointed Vicar. This was done and Mr. Phillips was instituted May, 1897.
During his incumbency St. James Mission Church was built, the Reredos and the East Window were erected in the Parish Church, the Church was re-lighted and many improvements were effected in the School. Last, but not least, a great amount of spiritual work was done by him, especially shown by vastly increased number of communicants, although he re-introduced Evening Communion, which had apparently been dropped by the previous Vicar. He was a powerful preacher and the various organisations flourished under his care, while cottage meetings were held at Whiteheath.
During his vicariate able assistance was rendered by Revs. W. K. Roberts, W.Davies and G. F. Burr. Mr. Burr will long be remembered for his generosity and hard work in connection' with the opening of St. James's Mission.
Towards the end of his time here the Vicar began to suffer from brain fag and felt that the work of this large parish was putting too big a strain upon his brain and nerve, so that it was no surprise when he announced on September 30th, 1902, his acceptance of the country living of Middlezoy, Somerset.
He died in July, 1913, when Vicar of Portbury, Bristol, from a seizure at the age of 62, and was buried at Warstone Lane Cemetery, Birmingham, a number of our Church people attending the funeral.
REV. S. MORGANS, 1903-1906. .
On February 1st, 1903, Dr. Gore (Bishop of Worcester) instituted as Vicar, Rev. S. Morgans, who had previously served as Assistant Curate of Upton-on-Severn and Chaplain at Powick Asylum. The new VIcar was a more advanced Churchman than his predecessors. He not only dropped Evening Communions but conducted also a daily morning service in Church. After only three years' residence here he accepted the living of Claverdon, Warwickshire, where he remained until his death on April 13th, 1911, at the age of 48 years and was buried in the Churchyard there, a number of Blackheath people attending. 'Though he spent only a few years in this parish, Mr. Morgans was responsible for much good work not only in beautifying the Church fabnc but in increasing the spiritual sIde of Church life. He started a Men's Bible Class, a branch of United Parishes OrganisatIon for instructlon in Church matters, also St. Paul's Institute for the men on week-day evenings. It was written of his work: "We have learned something more of what Churchmanship means, of self-denial and adherence to principles. The increased Communicants' roll proves this and so does the increased reverence shown at the Church services."
Upon leaving the parish he was the recipient of several presents including an Illuminated Address with 300 signatures. The address stated: "You have discharged the duties of your sacred office with zeal and devotion. Your visiting and the various organisations you have instituted or fostered for Church development have our warmest recognition. Your sincerity both in sacred functions and daily life have been apparent to all."
The Vicar received able assistance from Revs. W. Davies, G. F. Burr, C. St. G. Poole and J. H. Darby.
REV. W. C. WELLS, 1906
Mr. Wells, who had been in charge of Lillington, near Leamington, was instituted Vicar by the Archdeacon of Worcester on August 16th, 1906, and brought with him Rev. A. D. Stratford also from Lillington, as his Curate. In the following November the new Vicar suddenly resigned the living.
REV. G. K. M. GREEN, 1907-1912.
On February 9th, 1907, Rev. G. K. M. Green, Vicar of Norton and Lenchwick, near Evesham, was instituted as Vicar by Rev. J. C. Hill, Rector of Halesowen and Rural Dean (now Bishop Hill of Hulme). The new Vicar was a man of forceful personality and during his five years' here made a deep impression upon the people, and he will be fondly remembered by many in the parish. His work was chiefly noted for his development of the spiritual life,
this being seen in the increase of the congregations. He introduced a Sung Communion once a month, while a successful Parochial Mission for the deepening of spiritual life was held in 1910. Perhaps he will chiefly be remembered for his excellent work among the men, the large Bible Class held by him bearing testimony of this.
He was fortunate in having some excellent Assistant Curates.
No history of the Church of this time would be complete without recording the valuable assistance given to him by his colleagues. Rev. A. D. Stratford (who had been in charge during the interregnum) remained for four years and did a valuable work especially amongst the children, for whom his love was wonderful while there were many regrets when he left in April, 1911, to become Curate of Hartlebury.
Rev. H. A. Walke did much hard work from 1907 to 1910. especially at Coombs Wood, where he worked most conscientiously and did much to uplift the tone and deepen the interest of the people while the congregations at the Mission steadily increased. On January 20th, 1910, he left for overseas work in the Diocese of Wellington, New Zealand, where he still labours.
Rev. W. B. Lander's ministry at St. James from 1908 till 1912, was also a successful one, he having worked loyally and wholeheartedly, always giving earnest help and support.
Other Curates who gave valuable help were Revs. R. M. Davis, A. Wynne Thomas and W. E. S. Poole.
In May, 1912., the Vicar announced his acceptance of the living of Malvern Wells, where he laboured until 1927, when he was appointed to the living of Albrighton.
REV. D. J. SCURRY JONES, 1912.-1922.
Mr. Scurry Jones was no stranger to the Parish, having preached on several occasions previously, while he also took part in the Parochial Mission in 1910, and was also for some time Curate at St. Edmund's, Dudley. At the time of his appointment as Vicar he was a member of the Hartlebury College of Clergy. He was instituted by the Bishop of Worcester on September 22.nd, 1912., and was fortunate in being able to commence his work here with three Assistant Curates and at a later period had four.
Mr. J ones was a man of strong views and with the courage of his convictions. He was never afraid to speak his mind boldly and, though at times misunderstood, he did a great work in the Parish.
During his incumbency there occurred several noteworthy events, viz., the Great War, which was a most trying time for Church work; the Jubilee celebrations of the Church in February, 1919; the passing of the Enabling Bill, December, 1919; and the transference of the parish from Worcester Diocese to the Diocese of Birmingham on October 31st, 1919.
The chief points in his work here were a regular teaching on systematic almsgiving, and in consequence the collections largely increased; his great interest and enthusiasm for missionary work; and his great belief in using laymen more, and in consequence the appointment of several voluntary Lay Readers to assist in the work, especially at the Missions.
Several changes were made in the services, the English Hymnal was introduced May, 1914; "Wafers" were first used at Holy Communion, September 20th, 1914; and the Sung Eucharist became the regular Sunday morning service from April 2nd, 1916; while the Patronal and Dedication Festivals were observed with more special services.
In addition to his parochial work, he was elected in 1919, for the period of three years, a member of Halesowen Rural District Council and Stourbridge Board of Guardians; while in 1919 he was made an Honorary Chaplain to the Bishop of Birmingham.
Mr. Scurry Jones would be the first to admit how much he owed to his colleagues who served with him. Mention of the names of Revs. J. H. 1.. Holt, W. D. Abbott, J. A. S. Large, C. A. Evelyn White and W. L. Pitt will revive memories in the minds of all our people of men who worked loyally, conscientiously and from pneumonia contracted while on military duty. Off. France the Colonel wrote: "He was one of the bray moral courage I ever met." Mr. Holt is Vicar of Binley, Mr. Large is Rector of Flowton-with-Somersham, and Evelyn White is at Wantage. Mr. Pitt served faithfully it for seven years (1915-1922.) and followed the preser Curate of Moseley, until a few months ago, when he was appointed Vicar of Shuttington with Amington, Tamworth.
Mention must also be made of the valuable work done by women and girls by Miss I.. Bridgewater, a member of of Greyladies, who worked as a Woman Worker for the years (1913-1918). On her leaving this Parish, the Vicar wrote he "Has been inspired throughout by the highest ideals."
In June, 1922, the Vicar accepted the living of Olton Wiltshire, where he still works. Upon his leaving, Mr. Pitt, sais in the Magazine: "Few of us realise quite how much this part of the parish, and, indeed, the parish as a whole, owe to him and his teaching."
REV. C D. BANKS GALE, 1922.
The present Vicar was instituted on November 2nd, 1922, by the Archdeacon of Birmingham (Ven. C. E. Hopton). This appointment was the first time that the Bishop of Birmingham (then Dr. Russell Wakefield) had nominated to this living. In his letter offering the living he wrote: "Blackheath is a very important sphere of work and will demand a man's fullest energies. I am taking rather a bold step in choosing you as you are still a young man. Your name, however, occurred to me because I have watched with interest your Strong effort to carry out your full duties at Moseley and because you did good work during the War."
During the Great 'War the Vicar served as Temporary Chaplain to the Forces from 1916-1919, spending a large part of this time in France. In April, 1919, he came to Birmingham as Organising Secretary for the Church Army, relinquishing this work in June, 1920, to become Curate of Moseley Parish Church under the Archdeacon of Birmingham, and remained there until appointed to this parish.
In addition to his work as Vicar, he has been a member of the Stourbridge Board of Guardians since 1925, while for 1923-1924 he was President of the local branch of the British Legion.
During the past six years the following improvements may be mentioned: the placing of the Lady Chapel in Church; the installation of Electric Light in the Church; the restoration of the importance of Holy Baptism by requiring the attendance of the father; the more frequent celebrations of the Holy Communion with an increased number of Communicants; and the development of social work amongst the young people; while the debt on the Churchyard Extension Fund has been reduced by £500.
The shortage of clergy at present is very much felt in this parish, for whereas before the War there were usually three Assistant Curates in the parish, we are now only able to have one, but there has usually been a Church Army Captain in addition. We appreciate the loal and hard work of the following helpers:
Revs. E. Ede, L. Mann, Captains G. G. Hadley, ]. Robinson and S. M. Elmes, while the work of the Voluntary Lay Readers has been most helpful.
At the present time we have with us Rev. H. G. B. Folland, who came to us in September, 1926, and who, by his unceasing work in all departments of Church life, has gained the confidence of all our people, while the work of Messrs. F. Willetts, ]. T. Harris, R. A. L. Baker, and A. F. Simms in conducting services at the Missions is most valuable, and we are most grateful to them for this labour of love.
LAY WORKERS.
"The real strength of the Church is the work of the laity." This is very true of every Parish and none the less of our own, for during the history of the Church there have been many men and women who have worked loyally in many ways to foster and develop the spiritual life, and no record of our Church would he complete without paying due tribute to their most valuable help and co-operation. We would, therefore, thank all who have contributed their share in the following directions:-
Parochial Church Councillors, Superintendents and Teachers of the Sunday Schools, Day School Teachers, Organists, Members of the different Choirs, Magazine Distributors, Members of Mothers' Unions, Bible Classes, Girls' Friendly Society, King's Messengers, Church Lads' Brigade, Servers and Cross Bearers, Care of Altar Flowers and Brasses and Church Cleaners.
Our Parish has been fortunate in its Churchwardens, the following having held this office for the number of years placed after their names :-Messrs. T. Smith (12 years)--this is the record and we are deeply indebted to Mr. Smith for his present work as Treasurer of the Church; G. B. Parkes (I0), Enoch Hadley (I0), J. Connop (8), G. C. Simnett (8), T. P. Moyle (6), W. Swallow (6), J. Tooth (5), R. Green (4), H. Howard (4), J. D. Pittaway (4), T. Parkes (4), G. Potts (3), T. Jones (3), H. Roberts (3), ]. Hackett (2), W. Cartwright (2), H. R. Turner (2), A. 1.. North (2), W. Parkes (2), M. Powel1 (2), ]. Wilson (2), W. H. Hensman (2), J. Gaden (2), T. Pittaway, J. Toy, A. G. Tanfield, T. James, Dr. Rosenstein, D. Wright and G. E. Bissell for one year only.
The present Wardens are Messrs. F. Willetts (since 1026) and C. Smart (1928), and they are both rendering valuable and devoted work to the Church.
Much good work has been done, particularly at the Missions, by Voluntary Lay Readers. Their invaluable help has meant the carrying on of the Mission services at times when it would have been impossible without them. In this connection the following have done good work: Messrs. James Fletcher, T. Baker, L. Harper, T. H. Hunter, A. E. Spencer, A. R. Bullen, R. F. Miller, T. Dickens, J. Hughes, J. T. Harris, W. H. Hensman, ]. B. Round, E. H. Weston, F. Willetts, A. H. Clay, M. Lloyd, R. A. 1.. Baker and A. F. Simms.
The future welfare of the Church in general and our Parish in particular will depend upon the self-sacrificing and consistent work of our lay people. In these days of Struggle for the Christian Faith it is necessary to maintain a hold upon our young people and to foster in them the desire to undertake some service for the Church, encouraging them in their willingness to help and develop our work. We are singularly fortunate in having at the present time a large number of young people attached to us, and we look forward to their future help and co-operation.
THE MISSIONS 1929.
ST. JAMES'S MISSION CHURCH, WATERFALL LANE.
It appears that the earliest Mission work in this district was commenced in November, 1870, when a cottage was rented in Tory Street for two shillings a week. A Sunday School was begun and over 60 children were in attendance when the work was abruptly stopped by the owner taking possession of the room for his own use in December, 1871 Shortly after this, services were occasionally held, chiefly by Rev. J. E. Linnell, in the Saw Pit Shed close to the Canal Bridge. Upon Mr. Linnell's departure work in this district fell into abeyance until June, 1884, when Mr. Jacob Downing replaced an old cottage by a schoolroom, in which services were held on Sunday and various gatherings during the week. [This room continued to be used for meetings, etc., till about twelve years ago.]
As years went on the need was felt for a new Mission Church, the above-mentioned room being only 24 feet by 16 feet and proving inadequate.
The Rev. S. Phillips set himself the great task of raising £1,000 for the building of a new Church. A Bazaar held in September, 1898, at Coombs Wood Schools for this Mission raised £109. A piece of land, 462 square yards, was purchased in Waterfall Lane and conveyed to Worcester Diocesan Trustees. On July 15th, 1899, the stone-laying ceremony took place, memorial Stones being laid by Mrs. Henry Howard and Mrs. Connop in the presence of a large crowd, including the Bishop of Worcester and Mrs. Perowne. Amongst gifts of money were the following: Mr. H. Howard £ 150, Worcester Church Extension Society £ I00, Bishop of Worcester £10, while the collections on the day amounted to £54, the amount then raised being £700. In July, 1900, a Bazaar for the fund realised about £100.
The climax to this work was realised on November I0th, 1900, when the Bishop of Coventry opened and dedicated the new Church in the name of St. James. The church is built of red brick being designed by Mr. A. Ellis (Birmingham), and has accommodation for 250. The first Curate to be placed in charge was Rev. G. F. Burr, who generously, with his friends, provided the whole of the furniture for the building. He also received many gifts from other Churches, viz.: Stone font from All Saints, Worcester; carved oak lectern from Knowle Church; prayer desk from Lye Church; and Church bell from SeIly Oak, in addition (according to the Parish Magazine) to a set of Communion plate of the period of Oliver Cromwell, presented by Vicar and Wardens of Hampton-in-Arden Church. [This set of Communion plate was claimed in 1920 by the present Vicar and Wardens of Hampton- to have been lent and not given. Some parts not in use were then returned to Hampton Church.]
The total cost of site, building, etc., amounted to £ 1,131 13s. 8d.
In April, 1901, there remained £140 to be raised. Messrs. Lloyd & Lloyd very generously offered £70 if the remaining £70 could be found, and it is pleasing to note that this amount was raised by the end of the year.
During the next few years, other gifts were presented, including kneeling pads from Rector and Wardens and, 2 brass vases from Mrs. Ellery; while in October, 1905, the interior walls were cleaned by men workers and painted by Mr. J. Tooth, also the evil-smelling oil lamps were replaced by gas.
In addition to Mr. Burr, other Curates who worked here were Revs. W. Davies and J. H. Darby. It was during the time of the latter that there occurred a split among the Church members and a number of people seceded and formed a new sect. The supposed. cause of the secession was a question of ritual, but great credit is due to the Vicar (Mr. Phillips) for taking a firm stand and refusing to allow the Mission to become a mere "Cave of Adullam." The Mission soon recovered from this defection, and the spiritual work proceeded apace.
Other improvements later effected were:_
(a) New Vestry was dedicated on February 24th, 1910, by Rev. R. H. Edmondson, R.D. (Vicar of Cradley). At the same time the font was placed at the west end, the Church was railed round, the windows were protected by wire guards, and the bell re-hung over the Choir Vestry. The total cost was £91.
(b) On April 28th, 19I2, the Rural Dean (Rev. S. J. Marriott, Vicar of Netherton) dedicated a new Organ. It was a single manual, second-hand pipe organ with 4 stops; It did not prove to be very successful, and was later substituted' by an American organ.
(c) Other additions and improvements were: Replacing of gas by electric light (1913), the gift by the children of the picture " The Great Sacrifice" (19 I 7), new heating apparatus (1921), and a new Prayer Book for the use of the Minister from Mr. J. L. Lloyd (1922).
In the spiritual life of this Mission much steady work had been going on, one of the Assistant Clergy being in charge, those working here being Revs. W.B.Lander, A. Wynne-Thomas, W. D. Abbott, J. A. S. Large and C. A. EvelynWhite. During the later period of the Great War, when clergy were very difficult to procure, the work here was in charge of Voluntary Lay Readers, the chief being Mr. Jesse Hughes, who was presented with £20 and an illuminated address for his services here on November 49th, 1921.
When the present Vicar came to the Parish he introduced the system of having a resident Church Army Captain in charge of this district owing to the shortage of clergy. In recent years much good work has been done here by C.A. Captains G. G. Hadley, J. Robinson and S. M. Elmes,
At the present the one thing necessary here is the provision of a room suitable for holding Sunday School and social gatherings, the need for such being most urgent.
A beginning was made in 1923 to raise a fund for this object and various events were organised by a Sub-Committee to procure money for this purpose. On December 30th, 1925, the Parochial Church Council bought a plot of freehold land in Waterfall Lane, just below the church and measuring 966 square yards, at a cost of £14
