Funding boost for Dudley church

St Edmund’s Church in Dudley (also known as Bottom Church) has been awarded £587,320 in the first round of the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. This grant will enable much-needed repairs to be made to the fabric of the church building.

The Places of Worship Renewal Fund was launched in May, after the closure of the long-running Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, to help pay for capital works including fabric repairs and essential improvements, such as electrical upgrades, heating, toilets and step-free access. More than £13 million has been awarded to Church of England churches in this first round of funding with St Edmund being the only beneficiary in our diocese.

Jon Harcourt, Churchwarden at St Edmund said:

“This is wonderful news, both for our congregation, and if the 300+ year old building could speak, I am sure it would echo that sentiment. St Edmund’s Church was rebuilt in 1724 and stands on a Christian site dating back over 1200 years. The repairs and upgrades will give us the impetus of knowing that the repairs are for today, tomorrow and probably generations to come.”

The balance needed for the repairs has already been gifted to the church as part of a legacy and this grant will enable work to repair the roof and the stonework to be progressed. It is hoped that these repairs will enable the building to be removed from the Historic England At Risk Register and will enable the church to be in a good physical condition for its future mission and ministry.

Diocesan Director of Church Buildings, Mark Carter said:

“We are delighted that St Edmund’s has been successful in receiving this significant funding.  The investment will allow the church team to undertake vital works to the roofs and stonework to put the building into better condition to offer worship and mission in Dudley, and to remain an important local landmark that can be cherished for future generations.”