Church of St Andrew, Netherton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Andrew's, Netherton |
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| Parish Church of Saint Andrew | |
St Andrew's church is situated on top of Netherton Hill
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| 52°29′27″N 2°05′33″W / 52.4908°N 2.0925°W | |
| Location | Netherton, West Midlands |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 1830 |
| Dedication | Saint Andrew |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II Listed |
| Designated | 1 August 1997 |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Lee |
| Style | Early English |
| Years built | 1827-1830 |
| Construction cost | £8,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Gornal stone, brick |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Netherton; St. Andrew |
| Archdeaconry | Dudley |
| Diocese | Worcester |
| Province | Canterbury |
The Church of St Andrew, Netherton is an Anglican parish church. It is located in Netherton in the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley. The church building was designed by an architect named Thomas Lee. It first opened its doors in 1830. In 1844, it officially became the main parish church for the Netherton area.
Contents
History of St Andrew's Church
Building the Church
Before St Andrew's was built, Netherton, like many industrial areas in the Black Country, had many non-Anglican churches. These were called non-conformist chapels. The area did not have an Anglican church until July 16, 1830. On that day, St Andrew's was officially opened by the Lord Bishop of Worcester.
The first stone for the church was laid on November 30, 1827. This was done by Dr. Booker, who was the Vicar of Dudley. The church was designed by Thomas Lee. It was a "Commissioners' church," meaning it received money from the government to help build new churches.
The church was built in a style called "Early English." It cost about £8,000 to complete. The land for the church was given by the Earl of Dudley. The churchyard also contains graves of people who died during a serious illness outbreak in Dudley in 1831 and 1832.
Becoming a Parish Church
St Andrew's was first just a "chapel-at-ease" for St Thomas's Church in Dudley. This meant it was a smaller church used for convenience. It officially became Netherton's own parish church on December 1, 1844. The first vicar, or priest in charge, was the Rev. F.S. Bradshaw. He was appointed in 1845.
Changes Over Time
The church was repaired and updated in 1862. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, new items were added inside. These included a font (for baptisms), an alabaster reredos (a decorated screen behind the altar), a pulpit (where sermons are given), a metal screen, and a lectern (a stand for reading).
In February 1908, a tall decorative part of the church, called a pinnacle, was blown off. This caused about £300 worth of damage to the west side of the church. A new room, called a vestry, was added to the east side of the church in 1938.
Today, the building is a "Grade II listed" building. This means it is a special building protected for its historical or architectural importance.
Where St Andrew's Church Is Located
St Andrew's Church is on Netherton Hill. This is the highest point in Netherton. The church is surrounded by old gravestones. These belong to many people who used to live in the area. The main way to enter the church is from Highbridge Road.
What St Andrew's Church Looks Like
Experts have said that the church is a great example of a "Commissioners' church" that hasn't changed much. It was built in the "Early English" style. This is a type of Gothic architecture. The church is made of brick. It has a covering of Gornal stone, which is a type of sandstone. The roof is made of slate. There is a tall tower at the west end of the church. This tower has four decorative spires called pinnacles.
Inside the Church
Inside, the church is about 98 feet long and 54 feet wide. It has a gallery on the north, west, and south sides. A gallery is like a balcony inside the church. The organ is in the north-east part of the gallery. It was made by T.H.Harrison of Rochdale. The gallery is held up by strong iron pillars.
The church still has its original wooden box pews. These are like enclosed benches for people to sit in. The wooden altar was designed by the vicar, S.J. Marriot. It was put in place on New Year's Eve in 1887.
The clock in the tower was made by Bensons of London. Some of the money to pay for the clock came from sports events. These events were held at the nearby Netherton Cricket Ground.
Church Leadership
St Andrew's Church is part of the Diocese of Worcester. A diocese is a large area managed by a bishop. The church is under the authority of the Bishop of Dudley, who is Canon Graham Usher. The Archdeacon of Dudley is the Venerable Nikki Groarke. The current vicar, or priest, is Rev Richard Hackett.
