Church aims to raise roof again

An historic ceiling dating back hundreds of years and an organ are to be repaired and restored in the next phase of works at a Black Country church.

Projects are going ahead to return St Thomas's Church, in Market Street, Stourbridge, to its former glory and leaders have now announced the next stage of their planned works.

The church's ceiling, which dates back to the 1700s, is one of the main areas set for repair after suffering water damage due to problems with the roof.

Church leaders say the organ is also in need of restoration.

Earlier phases of the project, including repairs to the tower and the creation of a community garden in the grounds, are already complete with work scheduled to begin on the building's roof later in the year.

Funds still needs to be raised for the roof restoration but the situation has been helped by grants of £65,000 agreed by English Heritage.

Church leaders are confident they can raise the cash and are now turning their attention to bringing in the capital for the ceiling and organ.

Church warden Brian Shaw said the ceiling was a beautiful part of the church's history and an astonishing sight for visitors when they first entered the building.

"This is a vital part of the church's history and it would be great if repairs could be carried out. There is still a lot of work to do at the moment but it is now something we can look at," he said.

"We had to be sure of the repair work to the roof before we could consider the actual ceiling but now this is starting to look positive we can start thinking ahead.

"The organ is also another vital part of the church."

Mr Shaw said once all of the work was completed the church would look wonderful.

Bids will be submitted for these further phases of the work at a later date.

By Lee Watton