Church of the Saviour, Birmingham facts for kids
The Church of the Saviour was a special church in Birmingham, England. It was started in 1845 for a preacher named George Dawson. This church was a big part of a movement called the Civic Gospel. This movement aimed to make the city a better place for everyone. The church also helped start the political career of Joseph Chamberlain, who became a very important leader.
Starting the Church
George Dawson was first a Baptist minister in Birmingham. He moved there in 1844. Birmingham was growing fast with many factories and people. Dawson was a very good speaker. Many people liked his ideas and followed him.
However, Dawson's ideas were different from what the Baptist church usually taught. So, in 1845, he left the church. Many people from his old church followed him. They helped build a new church just for him. It was called the Church of the Saviour. It was a "Free Christian" church. This meant people didn't have to promise to believe certain things. They could join and work together to help others.
The new church building opened on August 8, 1847. Inside, it looked more like a lecture hall than a typical church. It had benches instead of pews (long church seats). It also had a platform instead of a pulpit (where the preacher stands).
A special message was written above the entrance. It said: "There is but one law – thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbour as thyself." This was the main idea taught there.
The Civic Gospel
At the Church of the Saviour, George Dawson created the idea of the Civic Gospel. He asked everyone in his church to help improve their town. He wanted them to make life better for all citizens. His sermons were very different for that time. People said he spoke to them about real-life problems. He didn't just talk about dying.
Dawson's speeches inspired many people in Birmingham. Important members of his church took his ideas to heart. They went on to play big roles in local government. These people included Joseph Chamberlain, who taught Sunday School and managed money for the church. Others were Jesse Collings, George Dixon, and William Kenrick.
Between 1847 and 1867, 17 people from the church were elected to the Town Council. Six of them even became mayor. Dawson encouraged Christians, especially business people, to become councillors. He wanted them to help change the city. Joseph Chamberlain followed this advice. He became a councillor and then a mayor. He made many important changes to the city.
Church Organ
The church had an organ installed in 1847. It was built by Gray and Davison. This organ was later replaced in 1861. A new organ by John Banfield was opened on January 25, 1861.
Organists
- Andrew Deakin (1847–1878)
- Stephen Samuel Stratton (1878–1882)
Closing Down
George Dawson passed away in 1876. After him, other Unitarian ministers led the Church of the Saviour. One of his helpers, George St Clair, became the main minister. However, in 1896, the church building was sold. A Methodist church group bought it. The money from the sale was given to another Unitarian church nearby.
Notable People
- Sarah Crompton (1802–1881), a writer of books for children.
