St Silas' Church, Lozells facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Silas' Church, Lozells |
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St Silas' Church, Lozells
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| 52°30′5.97″N 1°54′46.42″W / 52.5016583°N 1.9128944°W | |
| Location | Birmingham |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Triumphant Church of God |
| Previous denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Silas |
| Consecrated | 10 January 1854 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Architect(s) | Frederick.W. Fiddian |
| Groundbreaking | 2 June 1852 |
| Completed | 1854 |
St Silas' Church, Lozells is a historic building in Birmingham, England. It is a Grade II listed building, which means it is very important and protected. Originally, it was a Church of England parish church. Now, it is used by the Triumphant Church of God.
Contents
Building a Church: How St Silas' Began
The first step to building St Silas' Church happened on 2 June 1852. A special ceremony took place to lay the foundation stone. Lord Calthorpe, an important person at the time, laid this stone.
What Was Inside the Foundation Stone?
Underneath the foundation stone, a small vase was placed. This vase held coins from the time period. A brass plate covered the vase. The plate had an inscription that shared details about the church's plans.
This corner-stone was laid by the Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe on Wednesday the 2d day of June, in the year of our Lord 1852. The church, which is dedicated to St. Silas, will contain 1000 sittings, 340 of which will be free; and, including 1000l. endowment, and a repair fund of 250l., is estimated to cost 3600l.; the site having been given by the Rev. W. Burbury, M.A. Trustees: the Right Hon. Lord Calthorpe, Chairman of the Committee, the Rev. W. Burbury, M.A., Joseph Barrows, Esq., Peter Hollins, Esq., J.P. Turner, Esq., Hon. Secretary. First Incumbent, the Rev. D.N. Walton. F. W. Fiddian, architect; James Wilson, contractor.
The inscription explained that the church would be named after St. Silas. It was designed to hold 1,000 people. About 340 of these seats would be free for anyone to use. The total cost for the church, including money for its upkeep, was estimated to be £3,600. The land for the church was a gift from Rev. W. Burbury.
Opening Day: Consecration of the Church
The church was officially opened and blessed on Tuesday, 10 January 1854. This special ceremony is called a consecration. Henry Pepys, who was the Bishop of Worcester, led the event.
The church had balconies, called galleries, in different parts of the building. The font, which is a basin used for baptisms, was a gift from Peter Hollins. The gas lights in the church were made by a company called Ratcliffe.
Changes and Renovations Over Time
Over the years, St Silas' Church saw several updates.
Stained Glass and Organ Improvements
In 1867, the large window at the east end of the church was filled with beautiful stained glass. This was done to remember Rev. D. N. Walton, who was the church's first leader.
More changes happened in 1881. J. A. Chatwin oversaw these renovations. The church organ was moved from the back balcony to a spot closer to the front. It was also made bigger by Stringer and Co. with new sounds. One of the side balconies was removed. Larger windows were put into the main part of the church. These new windows also featured colorful stained glass, created by Camm Brothers.
Famous Connections: Albert Ketèlbey
Did you know that a famous composer once sang at St Silas' Church? Albert Ketèlbey, known for his beautiful music, was the head choir singer there when he was young.
A New Chapter: Mergers and New Ownership
In 1967, St Silas' Church joined with another local church, St Saviour's Church, Hockley, after St Saviour's closed down.
Later, in 1985, the Church of England sold the building. The Triumphant Church of God bought it and began using it for their services. The original Church of England members from St Silas' then joined with St Paul's Church, Lozells. A new building was later built for this combined group.
