Church celebrates 190th anniversary

It is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Dudley with its giant tower and spire visible from afar. And this year St Thomas’s Church, known locally as Top Church, marks its 190th anniversary.

Members of the congregation have joined forces to ensure the historic occasion doesn’t go unnoticed, organising a special exhibition entitled Yesterday, Today and ?, which represents the future. And there have been plenty of memories for people to look back on and savour.

They include a picture of the choir in the 1930s and images of some of the people who have got married in the High Street church over the years such as the first ever couple, William and Isabella Cooper, on December 25, 1871.

Churchgoers have also been rooting in their wardrobes and found clothing typical of the 1940s to form part of the past section of the exhibition which they have placed alongside some typical teenage items from today to illustrate the comparison.

A model of the church made out of matchsticks by past worshipper Henry Baker in 1907 also takes pride of place in the exhibition after being donated by his son.

St Thomas’s Church has stood on the same site since 1200 but in 1815 the building was demolished and rebuilding work started.

The church as everyone knows it today officially opened its doors for the first time on July 3, 1818.

Church member Val Parish said the building was an important part of the Dudley skyline.

“The church is steeped in history and is a very recognisable landmark in Dudley town centre,” she added.

“190 years is a real landmark and we thought it would be good to celebrate the occasion by taking a look back over the years so everyone can discover a bit more about its history.”

Celebrations to mark the church’s anniversary continue until Sunday evening with the exhibition and a flower festival open throughout the day.

Events conclude with a special thanksgiving service tomorrow at 6.30pm featuring Worcester Cathedral Girls Choir.