The Parish Church of St. Paul, Blackheath
ST. PAUL, Apostle and Martyr,
was the first century Apostle to the Gentiles.
St. Paul's symbol,
as assigned by medieval heralds,
is two swords crossed saltirewise.
Equally suitable is the emblem shown above-
a white book opened to display the inscription,
"THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT,"
in black with red upper case letters,
and a silver sword.
I am glad to have an opportunity of writing an introduction to this centenary brochure.
It is difficult to realise the social, scientific and economic changes that have taken place since St. Paul's was consecrated in 1869 in what was only a small hamlet.
One thing, however, has not changed and will not change, and thaJ is the character of God.
He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
I pray that St. Paul's may become more and more the real power house of your large and important parish.
Although the Parish of Blackheath is comparatively modern, there is little of historical interest to be recorded about the Parish Church. However, in 1929, the late Mr. A. J. J. Price recorded the history of the surrounding district and leading up to the formation of the Parish of Blackheath, and this indicated how the whole of the district surrounding us is historical ground. References were made to Uffa 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. All these are names and events connected with the district about which much could be written.
In 1908, Mr. W. Swallow (one time Church Warden of St. Paul's) compiled a most useful little book entitled "History of St. Paul's Church, Blackheath, its Missions and Schools." This book reflected great credit on the author. At the conclusion of the preface 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." Twenty years later this history of our Church was revised and brought up to date in commemoration of its Diamond Jubilee on February 9th, 1929, by the Revd. C. D. Banks Gale, who was Vicar at the time. It is only right that these two excellent records should be continued in order that the history of our beloved Church might be conveyed to future generations.
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Free use has meen made in this publication of the accurate records and details given by both the previous authors because it would be impossible to improve on them. We sincerely hope that our humble efforts in placing on record the story of St. Paul's in word and picture will be equally acceptable and that the programme of events which have been arranged for the Centenary celebrations will be worthy of the cause.
The name Blackheath originally was Bleak Heath and in the
early days people travelling to Oldbury had to pay a toll for the privilege of doing so. The name Cakemore is mentioned in "
Worcestershire Place Names," but no satisfactory origin for
the name is mentioned. In 1218, the Abbey of Halesowen was founded by virtue of a grant made by King John of England to Peter des Roches, his Justicar. It was the centre of the
Premonstratension Order or White Canons, who wore as its habit
a white cassock with a white rochet over it, a long white cloak and a white cap to match. The Abbot of Halesowen was Overlord of the
Manor and was therefore empowered to grant mining rights in return for suitable payment. 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.
When the Manor of Halesowen passed, about the year of 1550, into the hands of Sir John Lyttleton of Frankley (ancestor of
the present Viscount Cobham) the important and large but outlying
township of Oldbury became detached. Its distance from the Abbey and the intervening "Bleak Heath" and moor of Cakemore caused
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a severance of interests. The adjoining district of Brandhall 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.
Over the years several finds have been made of pots, urns and coins of Roman origin, some of which are on display in the British Museum. The celebrated reformer, Thomas Attwood, the first Member of Parliament for Birmingham, had his home at Cakemore House, probably the one in Masters Lane, the former home of the Hodgett family.
When in 1865 it was decided to form the new Parish of Blackheath, the population was about 5,400, of which the larger portion lived a mile or more from the nearest Church-that of Rowley Regis. A site was purchased and conveyed to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1867. The Church was completed at the beginning of 1869 and consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester on February 4th, 1869. The Order in Council with a map attached showing the boundaries of the Parish were originally lodged with the Worcester Diocese Registry and later transferred to the Birmingham Diocese. The Parish was formed out of the Parishes of Halesowen, Quinton and Rowley Regis, the portion from Halesowen being the Parish of Hill, that from Quinton being the Parish of Cakemore-both in Worcestershire-and that from Rowley Regis being in Staffordshire and known as the Blackheath Ward of Rowley Regis. The largest portion was that of Cakemore and for this and other reasons it was maintained that Quinton Church was
the "Mother" Church to Blackheath. In 1841, Halesowen Parish was divided into the Parishes of Halesowen, Quinton, Cradley and St. Kenelm.
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To meet the spiritual requirements of the people living in the district an appeal was issued by Archdeacon Hone (Rector of Halesowen) which met with a generous response. Subscriptions were received from numerous sources including the Earl of Dudley, Delta, the Worcester Church Extension Society, the Incorporated Church Building Society and many other subscriptions from neighbouring Churches.
The total received was over £6,000; the actual cost was £7,040 exclusive of the tower and spire which was in the original design. The whole debt was cleared within two years of opening. It is interesting to note that the Church today is insured for the sum of £100,000.
The central bay contains a coloured marble cross and the outer ones are occupied by sculptured figures of St. Peter and St. Paul. In 1902, the Dean of Worcester (Dr. Forrest) unveiled and dedicated a stained glass window in the east end in commemoration of the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. This window consists of three lights, 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 window was designed and made in the studio of Martin Dunn of West Bromwich. In 1916, as the result of bequests, a wrought iron Chancel Screen and a beautiful carved and painted Altar, along with other valuable gifts, were dedicated by Bishop Fyson.
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This was carried out as a memorial to the Great War of 19141918, the work being executed by Messrs. Bridgeman & Son, of Lichfield. The cost was raised by voluntary subscriptions and the cost of the Altar defrayed by Mr. H. Lowe. The Dedication Service took place in February, 1926, and was conducted by Canon Petit (Vicar of Harborne). On the same day there was held a Special Service of Remembrance and the Unveiling of a Memorial Tablet by Lieut.-Col. F. G. Danielson, 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."
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A further improvement which has been carried out was the setting aside of a portion of the South-east corner of the Church as a Lady Chapel.
Stained glass windows were generously donated by Mr. J. Tooth, while Mrs. N. Lench presented an exquisitely worked linen cloth for the Altar.
The Lady Chapel is much admired, the plain oak work being very striking.
On looking back from the Chancel steps, the picture is dominated by the large window set in the west wall of the Church and under which is seen the Oak Lobby entrance which was erected in 1962, again by the generosity of Miss N. Tooth.
The work also included the complete restoration of the porch itself, and the whole now forms an impressive entrance. This enabled the West Porch to be used as the main entrance and eliminated all the draughts which were experienced in early years. The old Lobby on the North side was removed and doors added to the North Porch.
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In the" History of Blackheath Church," which was written by Mr. W. Swallow and published in 1908, there appears a drawing of St Paul's Church as originally designed. In this is shown a tower about 100ft. high above the West Porch capped by an octagonal spire another 100ft. high. As mentioned earlier, this was never proceeded with owing to lack of funds, although many alternative suggestions have been considered from time to time.
The font is in grey stone. Octagonal in design with inset motifs. It is supported on four pillars and mounted on three steps.
During 1957, a complete redecoration of the Chancel took place, the cost being borne by Miss N. Tooth, and new blue carpet for both Chancel and Nave being provided by Misses L. & N. Lench.
The transformation was startling and it was enhanced by the new look given to the Pulpit by re-covering the wood in a more modern style. The cost of this was covered by the St. Paul's Dance Class.
The Lectern was originally of wood but was later superseded by a carved white stone Pulpit erected by the Revd. S. Philips as a memorial to his wife's father, Mr. Swindon. It was not designed for St. Paul's but came from a Church near Worcester. Having two Pulpits in a Church may seem rather odd, but when one stands at the West door and looks down the long Nave flanked by the massive pillars on either side, many will agree that they do add a sense of balance to the beauty and setting of the Chancel and Sanctuary. In 1961, as the result of a legacy from Miss Emma Smith, new Clergy and Choir Stalls were installed, and in 1963 further legacies from Mr. and Mrs. T. Smith led to the replacement of the old Altar Rails.
No record of the life of St. Paul's Church would be complete without mention of its Mission Churches. To cover the needs of such a large parish, no less than three Missions were in use.
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The oldest of these was Causeway Green Mission - St. Stephen's - where spiritual work of the parish was carried on before the building of St. Paul's. It originally belonged to the Quinton Parish and was used as a school for the children of the poor classes in the Parish of Quinton, and was licensed asa Mission Room by Bishop Philpot in April, 1862, when it was transferred to Blackheath during the incumbency of the Revd. F. Keatch. Many efforts were made by succeeding Vicars to make the Mission flourish and there was always a small band of faithful workers to assist. However, for various reasons, the masses of the people in the district never seemed to be in close touch with the spiritual life of the Mission; perhaps the main reason for this was because of the nearness of St. Michael's Church, Langley, and St. Katherine's, Warley.
Next came St. James' Mission Church in Waterfall Lane. For many years, Mission work in this district was carried out in various rooms and cottages until finally the Revd. S. Phillips set the task of raising £1,000 to build a new Church. Land was purchased and the stone-laying ceremony took place in July, 1899. In November, 1900, the Bishop of Coventry opened and dedicated the new Church in the name of St. J ames and the first Curate to be placed in charge was the Revd. G. F. Burr. For very many years the spiritual life of this Mission was carried on by various Assistant Clergy, Lay Readers and Church Army Captains.
However, due to the dwindling population of the area, it became very difficult to continue regular worship in the Church, and during the incumbency of the Revd. E. A. Bevan it was considered necessary to close both St. Stephen's and St. James'. The third and only remaining Mission attached to St. Paul's is that of Coombs Wood-St. Ambrose. As with the previous two Missions, the early spiritual work for many years had been carried out in the form of cottage meetings until a disused Baptist Chapel was rented in 1884. This building was used for services and Sunday School, but by 1896 the latter had outgrown the building and permission was obtained from Messrs. Lloyd & Lloyd to transfer the School to the Workmen's Mess Room at the Tube works. In June, 1897, Messrs. Lloyd & Lloyd generously offered to e~ect, at their own expense, a new School building which could be used both for Sunday School and Services. The foundation stone was laid in July, L 897, by Mrs. Henry Howard, and when completed the School was opened.
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The Foundation Stone was laid by the Countess of Dudley on April 18th, 1868. It was situated at the north-east corner of the Chancel but is not now visible, being covered by the brickwork of the buttress.
The building was carried out by Jas. Wilson of Handsworth and included foundations for a tower and spire but unfortunately, probably
due to lack of funds, this was not completed.
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Although the exterior of the Church has remained practically unchanged since it was built, many interior improvements have been carried out, mainly through the generosity of individual families and of the Church people collectively.
For nearly 30 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. Behind and above the table was a white band in the form of a pointed arch.
In 1897 a stone Reredos was erected to the memory of the Revd. F.
Keatch who was the incumbent for the first 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 proportions of the Church with its lofty Nave and raised Chancel are universally admired, although many believe that externally its beauty is marred by the lack of a Tower and Spire. Nevertheless the building presents a solid and inspiring impression on the passer-by, and the following dimensions may be of interest:-
Nave: 83ft. x 32ft. x 59ft. high to apex.
Chancel : 51ft. 6ins. x 23ft. x 50ft. high toa pex.
North Aisle: 83ft. x 14ft.
South Aisle: 83ft. x 14ft.
Vestry: 18ft. x 18ft.
Organ Chamber: 18ft. x 18ft.
Total Length: 134ft. 6ins.
Total Breadth: 60ft.
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Map of the Parish of St. Paul's showing the boundaries in 1869.
Recent boundary changes have reduced the area slightly
but the relative population has increased considerably.
Portable Communion Set.
Engraved Silver chalice 3" high with gilt interior, Silver paten 2·!" diameter, and glass cruet with Silver screw top, presented to the Vicar and Wardens of Blackheath as a thank-offering to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
A beautifully designed Silver chalice and matching paten. The plain hammered finish is relieved by the
ornamentation on the base and stem. Centre, a modern Silver wafer-box inscribed with a Maltese Cross design on the lid.
Modern Silver chalice with gilt interior, and matching paten. Both inscribed "I.H.R." from the initial letters of the Latin words meaning "Jesus, King of Men."
A highly ornamental Victorian Silver-plate chalice, paten and wine-flagon. The design is
elaborate and the effect
attractive. Each item is engraved with a star design containing the letters "I.H.S." (an abbreviation of the Greek version of the name of Jesus).
The Story of the Organ
The Organ was built by Messrs. Brindley & Foster, Sheffield, at a cost of £521, and was opened on September 12th, 1875. Prior to this date a harmonium had done duty. In 1920 it had deteriorated considerably but renovations were not carried out until 1923, with further cleaning in 1926.
The original Organist was Mr. Joseph Troman, who faithfully carried out his duties for over 56 years until his death in December, 1925. Mr. Troman was assisted during this time by several voluntary Choirmasters, but at his death he was succeeded by Mr. WaIter H. Court, who was appointed Organist and Choirmaster. Mr. Court held this position until his death in 1965.
These two built up a splendid tradition of music at Blackheath St. Paul's which covered a span of some 90 years.
Mr. Court deserves the highest tribute for the manner in which he carried out his duties and built a Choir which added dignity to the Church services. It was very fitting that due to his efforts the Organ was rebuilt and enlarged in 1964 at a cost of £2,500, and was re-opened with a recital by Mr. Arnold Richardson, ER.A.M., Borough Organist of Wolverhampton.
Mr. Court's interpretation of our hymns were a delight to the ear, and his discipline within the Choir manifested its results in the high standard of singing.
Subsequent to Mr. Court we had Mr. Keith Shaw, who left the district to become musical advisor to the Tynemouth County Borough, and our present Organist is Mr. Robert Priest.
ORGAN SPECIFICATION
SWELL ORGAN
Tremulant
Clarion 4 Oboe 8
Horn 8 Harmonics III
Fifteenth 2 Twelfth 2 2/3
Principal 4 Vox Celeste 8
Vox Angelica 8 Stopped Diapason 8
Violin Diapason 8 Lieblich Bourdon 16
PEDAL ORGAN
Trombone 8 Trombone 16
Flute 8 Principal 8
Echo Bass 16 Bourdon 16
Open Bass 16 Harmonic Bass 3
GREAT ORGAN
Clarion 4 Trumpet 8
Mixture III Fifteenth 2
Harmonic Flute 4 Octave 4
Claribel Flute 8 Open Diapason II 8
Open Diapason I 8 Bourdon 16
SWELL ORGAN
Stopped Piccolo 2
Tuba. En. Chamade
Clarinet 8
Orchestral Flute 4
Lieblich Gedact 8
Orchestral Viol 8
Echo Diapason 8
COUPLERS
Swell Sub Octave Swell Super Octave Swell to Pedal
Great to Pedal Choir to Pedal Choir to Great Swell to Great Choir Sub Octave Swell'to Choir
Over the years much good work has been done by various Assistant Clergy and Lay Readers, assisted by a keen, although perhaps not large, congregation of men and women. Much has been done to improve the amenities of the Mission, and evidence of this can be seen in the transformation that has taken place recently, credit for which must go to the small band of workers and worshippers of St. Arnbrose.
No record of St. Paul's could be complete without the inclusion of the Church Hall which is situated on land adjoining the Vicarage. The building of the Hall was the culmination of the dreams of the late Revd. E. A. Bevan, who felt the need for such a building to help to foster the social life of the people of St. Paul's and indeed of Blackheath. The Hall was to be used principally by Church organisations for the development of Church activities but at the same time it was to be available for certain outside activities. It provides amenities for large and small functions in the Major and Minor Halls, and offers excellent kitchen and other facilities.
The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, February 2nd, 1952, by Mrs. S. Harvie Clarke, followed by the dedication by the Venerable S. Harvie Clarke, Archdeacon of Birmingham, and will be remembered by all who were present. Perhaps it may be sunimed up by the following extracts from a letter published in the Magazine in March, 1952, and written by the late Revd. R. A. Laughton Baker: "The Vicar and Mrs. Bevan, and everyone concerned, must be justly proud of your exceptionally nice Church Hall, and also of the fact that its opening was carried out with a dignity worthy of any great City Church. The murmurs of appreciation and admiration (not to mention the longings of some of the visiting Clergy) were additional reward to all who have laboured and hoped so long and given so generously ... "
This generosity was, and still is, one of the outstanding features of the people of St. Paul's Church, Blackheath.
VICARS
Revd. F, Keatch 1869 - 1893 Revd. C. D. Banks-Gale 1922 - 1936
Revd. C. l. Bannister 1894 - 1897 Revd. R. H. L. Keays 1936 - 1945
Revd. S. Phillips 1897 - 1902 Revd. E. A. Bevan 1945 - 1954
Revd. S. Morgan 1903 - 1906 Revd. W. J. C. farmer 1954 - 1964
Revd. H. C. Wells 1906 Revd. E. D. Lewis 1964 - 1967
Revd. C. K. M. Green 1907 - 1912 Revd. P. R. Gant 1967
CHURCHWARDENS
Vicar's Warden People's Warden
R. Green 1869 - 1872 H. Howard 1869 - 1873
T. Pittaway 1872 - 1873 J. Connop 1873 - 1874
R. Green 1873 - 1874 E. Hadley 1874 - 1878
J. Hackett 1874 - 1876 W. Cartwright 1878 - 1880
J. Connop 1876 - 1880 E. Hadley 1880 - 1886
J. Toy 1880 - 1881 T. P. Moyle 1886 - 1888
G. B. Parkes 1881 - 1888 J. Connop 1888 - 1891
A. J. Tanfield 1888 - 1889 T. James 1891 - 1892
G. B. Parkes 1889 - 1891 H. R. Turner 1892 - 1894
J. D. Pittaway 1891 - 1893 T. P. Moyle 1894 - 1895
T. P. Moyle 1893 - 1894 A. L. North 1895 - 1897
G. B. Parkes 1894 - 1895 T. P. Moyle 1897 - 1898
W. Swallow 1895 - 1897 W. Swallow 1898 - 1899
J. Connop 1897 - 1898 W. Parkes 1899 - 1901
T. P. Moyle 1898 - 1899 M. Powell 1901 - 1903
Dr. Rosenstein 1899 - 1900 J. Tooth 1903 - 1906
T. Jones 1900 - 1903 W. Swallow 1906 - 1908
J. D. Pittaway 1903 - 1905 G. E. Bissell 1908 - 1909
D. Wright 1905 - 1906 J. Tooth 1909 - 1911
G. Potts 1906 - 1909 G. C. Simnett 1911 - 1919
T. Smith 1909 - 1921 J. Wilson 1919 - 1921
J. Wilson 1921 - 1923 H. Roberts 1921 - 1924
W. H. Hensman1923 - 1926 W. H. Hensman1924 - 1926
F. Willetts 1926 - 1930 S. Gaden 1926 - 1928
L. Turner 1930 E. C. Smart 1928 - 1937
H. Roberts Jnr. 1937 - 1939
J. T. Harris 1939 - 1965
R. Williams 1965
Of these, Mr. L. Turner and Mr. J. T. Harris certainly warrant a special mention. Mr. Turner, although not a native of Blackheath, has been associated with St. Paul's for many years, being first elected to the P.C.C. in 1927 and elected Vicar's Warden in 1930, serving under no less than six incumbents and steering the church through five interregnums.
Mr. Harris (Theodore to most people) holds an equally remarkable record. Elected to the P.C.C. in 1922, he has served the Church for over 46 years. He was elected People's Warden in 1938 and retired in 1965.
We record this tribute with grateful appreciation.
with grateful thanks to Carol Bate
