Historian looking to uncover secrets

A passionate historian is hoping to unearth the past of a forgotten church in the heart of Dudley town centre.

Churchwarden Adrian Baillie is asking for memories of St Edmunds King & Martyr.

He also wants to shed light on an old photograph found hidden away in the vestry and put a name to the mysterious face. The black and white image shows a smartly dressed man with glasses but there are no details to provide clues to his identity, and no-one knows what connection he has with the church.

There has been a church at the site in Castle Hill since 970AD. The current building dates back to 1724.

Photographs that have been discovered so far include one which was taken of the church choir between 1925 and 1937, when Canon Thomas Charles Jones was at the helm.

Another gives an interesting insight into what the inside of the church looked like in 1928.

Mr Baillie, aged 46, said: "St Edmunds has a fascinating past. It was, at one time, one of Dudley's biggest churches but in recent years it has been forgotten.

"Like many churches, the congregation has kept falling, and it is no longer as grand as it once was but it still has important part to play in Dudley.

"I am hoping that by asking for people of their memories and stories of the church, I can show more people what a wonderful building they have on their doorstep."

He plans to hold an exhibition displaying all of the photographs and stories he collects at the church early next year.

Some of the old pictures have been scanned and turned into greetings cards to sell in aid of the church restoration fund.

The recovery handler has set up a website – log on to www.stedmundsdudley. shutterfly.com – where people can email him with any information they have about the rich and varied history of St Edmunds King & Martyr Church. Anyone who may be able to help Mr Bailie can contact him by telephoning 01384 256906.