Closing a church... it's just like Doctor Who - claims Bishop
A church that has been running for 129 years having once served a thriving mining community has shut its doors for the final time.
The Bishop of Wolverhampton, Clive Gregory, conducted a final thanksgiving service at St Saviour’s in Hednesford comparing the occasion to the new Doctor Who being played by a woman.
Rt Revd Gregory said many would see the closure of the church on High Mount Street as an ‘end of an era’– just like fans of his favourite TV show may view the decision by BBC bosses for the 13th Time Lord not to be a man for the first time.
It was announced earlier this year that Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker will succeed Peter Capaldi in the iconic role.
Rt Revd Gregory told the gathering: “Doctor Who never dies, he or she assumes another form, there is always another generation, the thread is always unbroken and the story continues. So we gather this morning to mark an end.
“For some, Sunday mornings may never quite be the same again.
“As with Peter Capaldi’s departure it gives the opportunity for celebration and to give thanks for what has been.”
After welcoming plans for the launch of a new Green Heath Community Church to be held at West Hill Primary School on the same road from next year, he added: “St Saviour’s is going through its own process of regeneration. I imagine things will be quite different, as having a female Doctor Who will.”
The church has been declared ‘beyond repair’ by vicar Paul Kelly who said the building was simply at the end of its life.
Meanwhile the congregation has now dwindled to around 12 people. However more than 100 worshippers turned out for the final service.
It ended poignantly as the crowd gathered in the street to witness the doors being shut for the final time as a prayer was read out.
Rev Kelly said: “It was a fitting end and a new beginning for us.”
