The Present Time | Chapter 4

As a layman one gets the impression that in general the clergy were caught napping by the first world war, were slow to adjust themselves to changing circumstances and unable to grasp their new opportunities. Of course there were exceptions and many showed great devotion to their men in the trenches. Be this as it may the charge would not hold in the more recent conflict when the clergy did magnificent work on the battlefields, the bomb-sites and in the street-shelters.

During the war the vicar was much occupied in correspondence with the men in the services many of whom made a point of calling at the vicarage when on leave. A fire-watching rota was organised at the parish church so that small incendiary bombs could be dealt with promptly. The vicar made good use of these opportunities to talk at length to the men who took part in the duties. Those who were fortunate enough to be in the squad when fire-bombs fell in the churchyard will always cherish the memory of Canon Brown charging the target shielded by a dust-bin lid!

Despite the pre-occupation of the war great progress was made in church work. Congregations increased, collections mounted, more magazines were sold and young people were attracted to the church in increasing numbers. Indeed, they are still being attracted by a vicar who though now past the allotted span still remains young at heart. This interest in children and young people has probably proved Canon Brown's greatest asset in his work at Boldmere.

It is probable that a sunday school has existed from the earliest times at St. Michael's. Certainly there are those now living who can remember Mrs. Kittoe as the superintendent. Children also attended morning service and sat in raised tiers at the west end of the church; no doubt on these occasions they would be instructed in the catechism and the Lord's prayer; they also received religious instruction as part of their day-school education. The sunday school flourished during Mr. Bedford's ministry and prizes were given for regular attendance. Much good work has been done in the sunday school by successive generations of devoted men and women at St. Michael's. Such work is unspectacular and receives little publicity but thousands of people have benefited thereby. Particular mention may be made of the outstanding work of Carrie Baldwin who gave forty years devoted service to Boldmere Sunday School and is remembered with affection by several generations who have passed through her hands.

With the gradual elimination of religion from the curriculum of the state schools and the decline in the number of church schools the responsibility of the church to instruct the young has increased. In some churches this obligation had not been satisfactorily discharged but at St. Michael's in recent years at least the onus has been accepted and every encouragement has been given to spiritual and social work for the benefit of children and young people.

On 14 October 1934 a youth fellowship was inaugurated "as an experiment to meet the needs of all young people over 14 years of age." It was based on a sunday afternoon service and very soon 100 young people were attending regularly. One of its most notable achievements has been to stage a nativity play in church each Christmas. Week-day activities quickly developed and members were soon playing football, hockey, cricket or table tennis, boxing and swimming and taking part in drama and music festivals. The club anticipated the Youth Welfare Service and when this government-sponsored organisation developed in Sutton Coldfield after the war Boldmere Youth Fellowship was already a seasoned campaigner. It took its place quite naturally in the inter-youth competitions and had its share of success. It is satisfactory to note that in this centenary year it has gained first place in the Festival Competition held annually among Sutton Youth Clubs. A very appropriate contribution to our celebrations! In 1942 a junior fellowship for those between 11-14 years was formed and this organisation acts as a feeder to the senior body.

Fourteen years ago a children's church was started by Canon Brown and became an immediate success. Children are encouraged to take an active part. They elect their own churchwardens and sidesmen and have their own choir and bell-ringers. They have their communal prayer which they use at each service and which they are encouraged to use daily. The service has always been conducted by the vicar and he has had the help of many church workers and parents who have assisted in training children for Bible plays and Christmas pantomime. Special features of the children's church have included a service to further the work of the Mission to Seamen for which the youngsters have collected "ship-halfpennies," a Christmas toy collection for poor children and a combined service for parents and children which always fills the church on Mothering Sunday. Regular weekly collections and missionary boxes have enabled the children's church to donate £2000 to the work of the Church Missionary Society, a good example of how " many a pickle makes a mickle." The seal was set on the work of the children's church when it was visited by the bishop. The fact that it was also the occasion of the vicar's silver jubilee (as incumbent of Boldmere) probably meant less to him than the bishop's obvious pleasure and approval of the work which perhaps lies closest to the vicar's heart.

Accommodation for children's work in the parish is provided by a hall which has been erected behind a similar building set aside for youth work at the rear of the parish room. The youth hall was erected just before the last war and the children's hall immediately after it.

In view of the fact that the World Jamboree of Scouts will take place in Sutton Park during our centenary year it may be of interest to note that the first scout troop attached to the parish church was formed in 1909 under the leadership of W. Oldfield and A. Warmington and that it took part in an International Jamboree held at Great Barr in 1933. On that occasion it manned a Wireless Telegraphy stand at an Exhibition held at Bingley Hall, Birmingham. In 1915 R. Beckett, our present organist, took charge while two years later wolf cubs were started with Miss Joan Partridge as leader. A rover group was organised in 1930 under the control of Bassett Smith and more recently, in 1948, senior scouts under M. Gurney were formed. All these groups are still active in addition to the guides and brownies. Indeed they are now busy erecting a new, headquarters, a substantial hut adjacent the children's hall on the parish room site, which has long been the dream of their present scoutmaster, R. H. Blake.

The main problems facing St. Michael's after the last war were integrating the returning service men and women into the life of the church, housekeeping problems and extension work in the Banners Gate area.

In a message welcoming the service men and women back home Canon Brown said: "You are Probably in many ways changed. So too are the people you left behind ... the church has not changed but her tactics have. Her job is to win the post-war world for Christ. For this she needs you as a living member joining actively in her work." To give point to these remarks and to recognise the sacrifices made by those who served in the war the vicar appointed one of the returned men, Arthur Grason, as his warden.

The housekeeping problems involved the provision, erection, decoration and furnishing of a hall for children's work; the refurnishing of the parish room which had been used as a store by I.C.I. Ltd. during the war; repairs to the fabric of the church and a reconditioning of the lighting system; an overhaul of the organ. All this was carried out in due course by persistent efforts on the part of the wardens and congregation with appreciable help from many friends of the church of whom particular mention may be made of W. J. Whittall.

Plans were made for developing church work in Banners Gate by mission services, the building of a church hall, and later on by establishing a conventional district with a minister in charge.

The inaugural meeting to discuss the formation of a church at Banners Gate took place in 1948 when representatives of Sutton Coldfield, Maney, Hill, Walmley and Boldmere churches met to discuss the project. The five churches undertook to raise £5000 between them and so enthusiastically was the work undertaken that by April 1949, less than twelve months after the decision to build, the hall was erected and reasonably furnished. On 7 May 1949 the Bishop of Birmingham (E. W. Barnes) dedicated the new building as the Bishop Vesey Church Hall and no more appropriate name could have been chosen. The young church proved very virile and Holy Communion services and Evensong attracted large congregations. Children's Church, Youth Club and Young Wives' Fellowship soon followed. After five years of continued progress Banners Gate has been made a statutory district with Rev. J. F. Capper, M.A., as priest-in-charge.

Rev. H. A. Needham and B. L. Hinge, layreader, played a prominent part in the development of church work in this area while A. R. Spencer did valuable work in preparing the plans and supervising the building of the hall. In due course it may be expected that Banners Gate will reach parochial status.

The services at St. Michael's are of central church character and over the years have undergone little fundamental change although they have undoubtedly modernised to a shorter and less ponderous style. They are loyal to the spirit of the Prayer Book and they attempt to face the realities of life and to help those who attend. Newcomers to the neighbourhood often with very different backgrounds settle together in public worship with the general body of church members and once they have made themselves known soon find fellowship and friendship.

Special occasions such as Easter Day, Christmas, Harvest Festival and Patronal Festival generally find the church packed to capacity. Generally speaking the congregation is larger at Evening Prayer than at Matins. For the last decade Holy Communion celebrated at Midnight Christmas Eve has been very well attended.

Originally, St. Michael's choir consisted of men's, women's and boys' voices, but a choirmaster was not appointed until 1877. Even then one gentleman wanted singing and chanting in which the congregation could join and deemed a choirmaster unnecessary.

Some indication of the type of musical service is suggested by the fact that in 1881 it was decided to chant the Psalms instead of their being said and agreed that the Litany be said instead of being chanted or intoned. It was also considered necessary for the vicar, choir and a committee to discuss the church music with the organist and to appeal for more voluntary male voices. Five years later, in 1886, four singing clerks were appointed and this arrangement lasted until 1923. Interest in music in the early part of this century was considerable and the numerous concert parties, glee clubs and quartets in Boldmere drew their inspiration from the parish church choir as they did no doubt in other communities throughout the country. Many older parishioners will recall with pleasure the noted Boldmere quartet consisting of Messrs. Ashmore (alto), Fenn (tenor), Shelly (baritone), and Sheldon (bass).

Entry to the church choir for boys involved a probationary period of twelve months during which time the pay was one shilling per quarter rising to three shillings and sixpence on acceptance; the head choirboy received six shillings and sixpence per quarter and there would be an extra shilling or so for weddings perhaps. Certificates were given to the boys on joining and duly completed when they left. A short dedication service was frequently arranged for newcomers. There seems little doubt that from the time of the singing clerks the Boldmere choral work has been of a high standard and that it has maintained its quality up to the present day. On the other hand the congregational singing was very poor for many years although more recently some improvement has been effected.

The impact of the second world war was soon felt in the choir. Rehearsals became difficult and for some two years or more the boys practised only on sunday mornings before and after service while the men had to be content with whatever practice could be managed at each other's homes. Three choir boys, Kenneth Horton, George Hodges and Gordon Smith lost their lives in the war.

Since the war the choir, by invitation, has sung at churches in Birmingham and they were present of course at the inauguration services at Banners Gate. Over the years many expressions of appreciation of the work of the choir have been made and the present organist and choirmaster (R. Beckett) speaks highly of their loyal and devoted work which has contributed in a large measure to the devotional character of the church services.

There is a curious notion existing in the minds of many people that the Church of England is subsidised by the state and that its members are thereby relieved of supporting the church's work or paying its clergy. The idea is so deep-seated that during the present century a Minister of the Crown found it necessary to state in parliament that with the exception of chaplains in direct employment by the state the stipends of bishops, priests and other officers of the church are not paid out of public funds.

The main sources of income are from tithes - fortunately a rapidly decreasing source which most people would like to see disappear as soon as possible - legacies of land or money, gifts and collections. Critics often complain of the church's wealth yet in fact the inadequacy of its resources has been a constant hindrance to its work.

St. Michael's played its part in the Ten Years Forward Movement both by contributing its quota to the Bishop's Appeal and by taking part in an act of witness at the cathedral church on 27 June 1948. A still greater effort has been called for by the present Bishop of Birmingham (Rt. Rev. J. L. Wilson) who has launched an appeal for £1,200,000 to which St. Michael's has responded in cash and promises with more than £1,300, a not unworthy contribution.

It may be of some interest to mention that besides meeting its own commitments during its hundred years of existence St. Michael's has donated some £15,000 to national relief appeals, funds for H.M. Forces, hospitals and missionary work. Funds have also been raised for the enlargement of the original church on two occasions, for the building of new churches at Wylde Green and Banners Gate as well as the normal work of church extension and many joint enterprises in which all Anglican churches participate.

In the celebration of the Holy Communion there is a section of the liturgy known as the offertory which associates the offering of the bread and wine with the giving of alms to the poor. By ancient custom of the church the offering at this service is dispensed to the needy at the incumbent's discretion. Collections at other services may be for church purposes or for special objects and are distributed under the direction of the parochial church council.

In 1921 the church council at the instigation of J. D. Lauterbach agreed to "adopt" the poor parish of St. Matthias, Birmingham. Formerly. this church had drawn a prosperous congregation but a changing outlook on life had caused considerable dispersion of population and the loyal church people remaining had found the situation beyond their resources.

In the first ten years of the fund's existence about £500 was subscribed by St. Michael's but the fund is now closed due to the demolition of St. Matthias and the absorption of the parish elsewhere.

It is difficult to make an assessment of women's work in the church in general and in St. Michael's in particular. Their part is unspectacular, they have no place in the priestly office, take little part in the administration of church affairs but participate in public worship. But who shall say they are without influence? Far from it. So fundamental is their effect on men's minds and activities and so subtle their influence that in the ultimate issue their share of praise or blame is very large.

The outward and visible signs of women's part in St. Michael's are the clean, tidy church tastefully decorated with flowers, the sunday school teachers, the club leaders, and the catering on social occasions. The inward but equally visible signs to those who will perceive are the grace and patience which seems to come more readily and naturally from women than men. It seems that among the saints of God women will greatly outnumber men.

The Mothers' Union has functioned at Boldmere since the turn of the century and there are several members alive today who were enrolled by Mrs. Beviss Thompson on 13 October 1907 and who may therefore soon celebrate their membership jubilee. There is also a Young Wives Fellowship while a recent experiment has been the formation of a Women's Guild which has made a promising start.

Mention has already been made of the social club, sports club, men's society, dramatic clubs and concerts which were features of former times. For several years now the men's interest has been focussed on a guild which meets at intervals during the winter months. The meetings take the form of a lecture or talk followed by a discussion and a wide range of topics has been under review during the past ten years. Periodically, ladies are invited and an appropriate programme is arranged. In addition, the annual supper, also a mixed company, is always a popular event. The guild owes much to A. T. Edinborough its energetic secretary.

When Canon Brown was appointed vicar of Boldmere the Bishop of Birmingham (E. W. Barnes) wrote "he is one of the best men working in the Diocese." Few would be disposed to dispute such an eminent opinion. Twenty-five years later the churchwardens and officers of the church entertained Canon Brown to dinner to celebrate the silver jubilee of his vicariate of St. Michael's.

This mark of affection measures in some degree Canon Brown's work and influence in the parish and affords confirmation if such were needed of the bishop's opinion.

During his incumbency the vicar has mainly received assistance from three curates Rev. R. W. Yaxley, Rev. N. J. Woodhall and Rev. L. F. M. Helleur and the vicar himself has on appropriate occasions at various times paid tribute to the work of these helpers. Lay help too has usually been forthcoming as required. All this, however, is largely to acknowledge the vicar's ability to successfully organise a large parish with increasing demands. Mention should also be made of the valuable services of Rev. J. D. Murray, a lecturer at Saltley College, who for several years has helped the vicar during week-ends and has proved himself a talented and forthright preacher.

It would be inappropriate at this stage to attempt to summarise Canon Brown's work and influence in the parish for happily his task is not yet ended. Nevertheless, for those who are intimate with St. Michael's, the results are there for those who wish to observe and reflect upon them. It will be the heartfelt wish of all his congregation that their beloved vicar will be present to lead the great " Te Deum " which will surely arise at our centenary service on St. Michael's Day 1957.

The vicarage stands in extensive grounds convenient to the church and was built about the same time. It is an eight-roomed house, well built and suited to its purpose, then and now, although its fairly spacious rooms present fuel problems in these days. Some 25 years ago it was found to contain dry rot but this was remedied by relaying a floor. There is still evidence of the inadequacy of its protection against damp. Its dilapidations and repairs are now the responsibility of the church council.

There are large cellars which provided useful sleeping accommodation during the war. Nowadays, they serve other purposes including that of a clubroom for young people.

The first vicar was a keen and knowledgeable gardener and in the more leisurely times in which he lived he indulged his hobby to the great delight of the locality generally for his flowers and shrubs were much admired. Succeeding vicars have shown less enthusiasm while their restricted opportunities and resources have made it difficult to retain any semblance of the former glories of the garden.

Like most incumbents the present vicar places his home very much at the disposal of his parishioners and many organisations make good use of it although perhaps they do not always leave it in the condition they expect to find it. That the vicar manages to bear these intrusions with fortitude and for the most part seems even to enjoy them is a never failing source of astonishment to at least one of his parishioners.

The choir vestry dates from about 1875. Twenty years later it was probably extended and the clergy vestry added. In 1897 Mrs. Hooper equipped the latter with a handsome suite of oak furniture including a wardrobe, armchair and table.

The parish magazine was first published by Rev. A. E. R. Bedford on 1 January 1895. He thought it would further church work and remove some of the disadvantages of having no means of communicating with his parishioners except by announcements in church. Success, he said, would depend upon support and he hoped those interested in the welfare of the parish would take the new magazine regularly.

The initial circulation was 250 rising in three years to 450. At a penny per copy it about paid its way until the first world war. During the war paper shortage caused some curtailment of copy and in the cause of economy the then vicar promised to omit his regular letter, but there is little evidence that this was done and still less that it was even necessary. Between 1918 and 1930 the magazine was run at a loss despite an increase in price in June 1920 to twopence per copy. The loss of £40-60 per year was borne by the good-natured vicar who was undoubtedly more indulgent of his parishioners than prudence demanded.

In 1930 the church council assumed financial responsibility for the magazine and the circulation was increased to 1,000 copies rising by 1935 to 1,200 copies. Since St. Columba's, Banners Gate now has its own magazine St. Michael's now circulates at 1,050 per month.

Undoubtedly, the magazine has fulfilled the intentions of its founder while during the last war the vicar found it a valuable means of keeping in touch with men serving in the Forces. There is ample evidence too that the men on service for their part found it a useful link with home.

Rising costs in 1946 caused an increase in price to threepence per copy; another rise for the same reason is likely in 1957. By careful management the magazine has shown a small margin of profit in recent years and this has been used from time to time to purchase cassocks and surplices for the choir, a piano and chairs for the parish room and to make a donation to the youth hall purchase fund.

Scant recognition has been given in these pages to many men and women who have played their part in their day and generation in church work at St. Michael's. The fact is that they are so numerous that to mention any but the most prominent would unduly increase this account. To refer to some here and there has seemed inevitable but the rest must remain anonymous. This is in no way to detract from their work or to intend any lack of appreciation of their services.

It seems unlikely that the church of St. Michael, Boldmere, has produced any men or women of outstanding ability and certainly none of genius. What seems evident is that over the years it has inspired ordinary folks to live their lives a little better, to help those in greater need than themselves and to bear some witness however imperfect to the christian faith. It is also clear that successive generations have responded to this inspiration by making this House of God more beautiful, by extending its boundaries still wider and making its activities more useful and comprehensive.

The church at present is healthily full of young people who in due course may be expected to carry on the work and maintain the traditions of St. Michael's; perhaps they may be inspired to do greater things than their forefathers; perhaps even now there may be one who like the apostles of old "will turn the world upside down." Who knows?

The sacred edifices of England are a great heritage and a stabilising factor in this uncertain world. They pass on the message of christianity from one generation to another. In this way they sustain the faint-hearted and encourage the stout-hearted in the faith of their fathers. Inspired by the " great cloud of witnesses " who have worshipped at its altar and led by St. Michael, the archangel, the church in Boldmere can advance confidently into its next century.