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St Lawrence's Church, Duddeston facts for kids

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St Lawrence’s Church, Duddeston
52°29′20.8″N 1°53′10.1″W / 52.489111°N 1.886139°W / 52.489111; -1.886139
Location Birmingham
Country England
Denomination Church of England
History
Dedication St Lawrence
Consecrated 25 June 1868
Architecture
Architect(s) J A Chatwin
Groundbreaking 20 June 1867
Completed 1868
Construction cost £4,347
Closed 1951
Specifications
Capacity 750 people
Length 95.5 feet (29.1 m)
Width 55.6 feet (16.9 m)

St Lawrence's Church was a special church located on Dartmouth Street in Duddeston, a part of Birmingham, England. It was a Church of England parish church, meaning it served the local community.

Building the Church

The first step to building St Lawrence's Church happened on June 20, 1867. On this day, the main foundation stone was laid by the Bishop of Worcester. This was an important ceremony to start the construction.

A kind lady named Miss Louisa Ann Ryland provided all the money needed to build the church. The church was designed by a famous architect named J A Chatwin. It was built using strong bricks, and the pretty window designs were made from a special type of stone called Corsham Down Bath stone.

The church was officially opened and blessed on June 25, 1868, by the Bishop of Worcester. After it opened, a new church area, called a parish, was created for it. This new parish was formed from parts of the nearby St Matthew's Church, Duddeston and Nechells parish.

Important People

Rev Thomas J Bass - Whitlock - circa 1903
Thomas J. Bass, circa 1903

One important person who worked at St Lawrence's was Thomas J. Bass. He was the vicar, or priest, from 1897 to 1925. Mr. Bass was also a writer. He was known for speaking out against poverty and poor living conditions in the city. He also helped lead a committee that worked to improve public health.

Changes and Closure

The church had some updates and changes made to it in 1894 and 1895.

However, St Lawrence's Church eventually closed its doors in 1951. After it closed, its parish was joined back with the parish of St Matthew's Church, Duddeston and Nechells.

The Church Organ

St Lawrence's Church had a musical organ built by a company called Halmshaw. You can find detailed information about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register, which keeps records of organs across the country.

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