The History of Overend Methodist Mission
NOTE: The History of Overend Methodist Mission is taken from “The History of Cradley Churches” – Volume 3 – Twentieth Century Methodism” written by Margaret Bradley and Barry Blunt and published in November 2000. The full volume also contains the detailed history of Cradley Wesleyan Methodist Church (Trinity), Cradley Primitive Methodist Church (Bethesda) and Cradley United Methodist Church (Providence). It can be purchased from Colley Lane Library or from the authors, price £6.00 plus postage.
The church was founded in 1905 as an independent mission called The People’s Mission, Overend. It remained independent and non-denominational until 1971.
In 1971 the ex-Primitive Methodist Church in Cradley, called Bethesda, closed its buildings and the congregation moved to Overend to form Overend Methodist Church.
In 1995 the ex-Wesleyan Methodist Church in Cradley, Cradley Trinity, closed its buildings and formed a new society at Overend. The church was then re-named Overend Methodist Mission.
In July 2004 the ex-Primitive Methodist Church in Cradley Heath, Graingers Lane, closed down and its members moved to Overend.
Overend Methodist Mission is therefore an amalgamation of four societies:
- · The Wesleyan Society that first began to meet in Cradley in 1766
- · The Primitive Methodist Society that was founded in Cradley Heath in 1827
- · The Primitive Methodist Society that started in Cradley in 1836, and
- · The People’s Mission, Overend that was founded in 1905.
1905-1971 – The People’s Mission, Overend – The Social & Religious Background
Before dealing with the detailed history of Overend Mission, it is necessary to describe the social and religious climate prevailing in England in general and in Cradley in particular at the time of its formation.
Various surveys of social conditions in England at the turn of the century demonstrated that, in spite of being the richest nation on earth, a large proportion of the population was living in abject poverty. Infant mortality levels were running at 247 per 1000 live births. 30% of the people were living below an adequate subsistence level and drunkenness had become a great social evil.
It was against this background that the churches attempted to make an effective witness. In Wesleyan Methodism there arose the Forward Movement, which was the last great attempt to reach out to the masses of people untouched by the church.
The aims of the Movement were to save people’s souls and to “sanctify their circumstances.” They would attempt to provide centres of evangelism and, at the same time, work for the relief of poverty and distress. The two aims were indivisible. Hugh Price Hughes, one of the Movement’s pioneers, saw that the Wesleyan itinerant system needed to be reformed. It was no longer appropriate to have ministers compulsorily moving to new stations every 3 years. Campaigns would be led by ministers who would stay long enough to be a social and political force in the neighbourhood. Co-operation between Nonconformist churches through strong Free Church Councils was essential.
In the cities the great Central Halls of Methodism came into being and, in the smaller towns like Cradley, local churches came together to work out how they could best become a spiritual and social force in the lives of the local community.
On page 63 we describe how the churches became involved in the social concerns of Cradley. Here we focus on the upsurge of evangelical activity that took place between 1900 and 1905 that culminated in the foundation of the People’s Mission, Overend, in 1905.
In 1901 there was an effort by the Free Churches to evangelise the cities and towns of England, led by Dr Clifford and Gypsy Smith. The movement began in London and moved out to the villages, including Cradley. All-England Mission meetings were held at the Baptist, New Connexion and Wesleyan chapels.[1]
These were followed by a two-week evangelical mission, led by Rev A Lloyd of Brierley Hill and Rev E Hancox of Old Hill, supported by Revs Shrimpton (Wesleyan) and Barker (Baptist). One of the features of the mission was the success of the mid-day services held in High Town Ragged School. 60-100 persons assembled to hear addresses given by various ministers. Children’s services held in the evening were also a great success. Those who gave in their names were referred to the various denominations that they wished to join.[2]
Other missions continued to be held at regular intervals over the next 10 years, sometimes organised by individual churches led by their Connexional evangelists and sometimes at the initiative of the Free Church Council.
Attempts were made to attract non-churchgoers on Sunday afternoons through the Pleasant Sunday Afternoon meeting at Colley Gate and the Wesleyan Brotherhood. Both of these offered entertainment from singers and bands along with a devotional message. The Wesleyans also made an effort to attract people to a Lantern service held in the schoolroom on Sunday evenings at the same time as the chapel service. This consisted of projecting slides depicting Biblical scenes on to a screen, interspersed with singing and a Christian address.[3]
In February 1904 a Sunday morning working men’s school was established on a non- denominational basis. It met monthly in the British Schools under the presidency of James Bloomer. A service at 7.30 a m was followed by a visit to one of the church’s morning services, each being visited in turn. It soon grew from 13 original members to 124 by August 1905.[4]
Cradley Free Church Council organised a united mission lasting for two weeks in April 1905. It was conducted by Mr G W Booth of Blackpool and was based at High Town Ragged School with special services held on Sundays at the different churches.
Of all the diverse campaigns described above, the most spectacularly successful work was begun in March 1905 in a chain shop in Butcher’s Lane, opposite its junction with Furlong Lane.
Richard Finch of Overend initiated the work. He was a Wesleyan local preacher,[5] married to Lizzie, eldest daughter of Philip Heath, the organist at the Wesleyan chapel. During the day he worked as a fitter at Holt and Willetts in Foxoak Street, Cradley Heath. The missionary work continued throughout the summer of 1905, with assistance given by other laymen, among them Mr Darby, William Bloomer, Mr Lloyd and Mr Agutter.[6] These men were all associated at the time with the Cradley Wesleyan society.
Around this time a writer named George Haw published a series of articles in the national press in which he argued that the church was failing to reach working class people. The working class viewed the church with suspicion; the church was perceived to ‘look down’ on them and so they saw it as part of their problem. Haw invited people who had experiences to the contrary to write to him and tell their stories. In the introductory chapter to his book, “Christianity and the Working Classes” (McMillan & Co. 1906) he refers to the many stories he has received from all over the country that confirm these views and quotes some of them at length. He concludes: “whatever their estrangement from the Churches today, the working classes of England still remain the most religious minded class in the country.” (P.41). He then goes on to quote the Overend story, the details of which had been submitted to him by Richard Finch.
| “The other day I learnt of a striking instance. In the chain-making district of Cradley is the little village of Overend. Down at the far end of the village is a chain-shop, owned by one Elijah Cole. Opposite the shop there lived a young married engineer called Richard Finch, who thus modestly tells how he started a great revival there:- ‘It had got to a quarter past eight one Sunday evening when I said to the wife, “I think I will go across to the chain-shop and see if those fellows will let me speak to them. Perhaps I can do them some good.” The wife said “Be careful; they will very likely be all drunk by now.” When I got inside you could scarcely make anything out for smoke. There was a fire-bucket in the middle of the room, and round it were twelve or fifteen men, some of them the worse for beer, and they were pitching coins on the floor. They all knew me, and I asked if they would let me speak to them. “Thee cosn’t do a better thing,” one of the roughest of them said. I spoke for about twenty minutes, and closed with prayer. They were all most attentive, and several of them asked me to come again. The following night I had just got in from work when there came a rap on the door. A little lad touched his cap and said, “If you please Mr. Finch, the shop is full of men, and they have sent me across to see if you will go and speak to them again.” When I went across it was as the lad had said, the shop was full. I went again on the Tuesday, the Wednesday, and the Thursday. At the close of the Thursday meeting one of the fellows jumped up and said, “This game won’t do; I shall have to mend my ways.” A cripple said, “I can’t get up; but I shall mend my ways too.” For three months we had a meeting there every night – sometimes with a hundred people packed in the little chain-shop. Now we are building a chapel of our own, which is to be strictly un-denominational. Bricks have been given to us, and horses and carts lent to us. All the labour will be voluntary. The men have thrown themselves into the work very enthusiastically, and in a few weeks the chapel will be ready for opening.’” |
It may well be that Richard Finch had exaggerated certain aspects of the story. When it came to the knowledge of the Cradley public in 1955 a few locals challenged the contents. J W Smith had known Elijah Cole personally and pointed out that gambling, drinking and brawling were three things that he would not have tolerated. A G Dunham wished to place on record the significant part played by her father, Joseph Thomas, in the chain shop services.[7]
Notwithstanding these details, the fact remains that the revival became a matter of great interest in the district, and a careful watch was kept upon its progress. It was reported that “two or three nights each week, meetings have been held in the chain shop, and passers by have been amazed to hear the singing of Sankey’s hymns. The revival has spread rapidly and young men may be seen Sunday after Sunday journeying to the shop with their sweethearts, and many men bring their wives. The members now number a hundred or more and it has been decided to erect a non-sectarian place almost opposite the scene of Mr Finch’s early effort. The revival has caused quite a sensation in the district and there is a distinct change for the better in the lives of many persons in the immediate neighbourhood.”[8]
The building referred to in this report and in George Haw’s story was the original People’s Mission Overend. It was erected upon land in Overend Road between Furlong Lane and Banner’s Street. The land was lent to them, free of charge for five years, by Mr C H (Harry) Hemming who owned a grocery shop on the corner of Furlong Lane. The men credited with carrying out the building work were Alfred Southall, Harry Southall, Frank Tibbetts and Mr Taylor. The hall’s dimensions were 40ft x 20ft x 10ft up to the eaves.[9]
The Mission Hall was opened for public worship on Tuesday November 14th 1905 and a full report of the proceedings is contained in the County Express November 18th 1905. After repeating the story of Mr Finch’s experience with the men in the chain shop the report continues as follows:
“Being poor people the idea of a pretentious building was out of the question, but, not debarred by consideration of the cost, they set to work with a will, and by voluntary labour have erected a very commodious comfortable building. It is erected upon a brick base, and is of corrugated iron, with the interior match-boarded up to the eaves. Most of the labour involved has been willingly given, and everyone concerned has shown a considerable spirit of self-sacrifice. Cavities had been left in the front of the building for memorial stones, and these were laid on Tuesday, and the building opened at the same time.
Tuesday’s ceremony was very much damped by the drizzling rain, which set in while the ceremony was in progress, nevertheless there was a good attendance and much enthusiasm prevailed. The Rev. J W Walker of Cradley Heath Baptist Chapel presided and among others present were Rev J C Brewer (Wesleyan), Messrs C H Clewes, J Holt, F Hipkiss, B Southall, J Bridgewater, C H Hemming, W. H. Bloomer (Treasurer), R. Finch etc.
The Chairman announced an apology from Rev A E J Cosson who was prevented by illness from attending and then proceeded to congratulate the friends on the successful accomplishment of their efforts.
Mr W H Bloomer presented the financial statement:
… To build and furnish the room they had to raise £90. They had since received sums amounting to £30, so that with the £5 in hand they had to raise £60 to free the building from debt. He referred to the remarkable variety of contributions he had received and the balance sheet if printed would be very amusing. A remarkable variety of persons had also contributed and there was not one single section of the Christian Church in Cradley but which had been represented. Both conformists and nonconformists had assisted them and some of their very best friends were members of the Established Church in Cradley. What they had to do in the future was to see that nothing but the evangelical faith was preached in that building, and if they saw scenes similar to those which they saw in the old chain shop they would consider they were amply rewarded for all the toil and pains to which they had gone.
By the kindness of a friend, without which it would have been impossible, they had taken the land on a lease for 5 years, and that lease expired on April 1st 1910, so that if they could clear the building from debt they could certainly obtain the ground. They had built the place to meet a need, which had been felt by more than one circuit. In fact, he was a member of a committee, which was considering the question at the time the revival broke out.
They appealed to those present to help them carry the work through to a successful issue.
Mr Joseph Holt laid the first stone, saying that he hoped that the chainmakers would talk to their fellows and persuade them to come to the services. He gave a donation of £5 and said that if they cleared off the debt in 12 months he would give another £10.
Mr B Southall (President of Cradley Free Church Council) laid the second stone and said this was not the work of a few days or months but the work of years. Many prayers had been offered up on its behalf in the churches of the district. He gave a donation of £5.
Mr Frank Hipkiss in laying a stone gave a donation of £5 and hoped the cause would so prosper that in a few years they would have a much larger building.
Mr C H Clewes laid a stone and contributed £3 3s saying he was pleased to give what little he could to further a work like that. When he was between 13 and 14 years of age he recollected coming every week to hold a meeting in a cottage close by.
Mr C H Hemming and Mr J Bridgewater also laid stones, each contributing £5.
The door was opened by Mr Finch, who said it reminded him of going into the chain shop over the way and not knowing whether he should be welcomed or receive a punch in the mouth.
The room was quickly filled and the party sat down to tea. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr J Darby and congratulatory speeches were made. A rostrum was provided by Mr E Westwood and a handsome pipe organ given by an anonymous donor from Kidderminster.”
On the following Sunday the first services were held in the new building, attended by large congregations, when morning and evening services were conducted by Mr A Gordon of Lye.
The donation of a pipe organ proved to be something of an embarrassment to them, as they found that it would cost a considerable amount of money to adapt it to fit into the building. Consequently they exchanged it for a new harmonium, which was formally installed at a special service in June 1906 by Mr Samuel Foley of Cradley Heath, the organist and choirmaster at Park Lane Unitarian Church.
The affairs of the new society were placed in the hands of a small management committee, consisting of Richard Finch, Joseph Thomas, William Bloomer and Benjamin Southall.[10]
They quickly established a pattern very similar to other Nonconformist churches. They held acts of worship on Sunday afternoons and evenings, conducted by Nonconformist local preachers. A Sunday school was also formed, its first recorded Anniversary Services taking place in April 1907. Mr A Savage of Pensnett conducted morning and evening services and Mr J Bridgewater presided over the afternoon musical service. There were insufficient children attending to present conventional anniversary services. The adult choir sang anthems and guest soloists were drafted in. The children’s contributions were restricted to recitations. Harry Southall was responsible for training the children. Collections taken on the day amounted to just £3 14s 3d.
For the first five years the church struggled to survive. Numerous special services were held in order to raise funds to clear the debt on the building and to purchase the land on which the building stood. They had affiliated to the Cradley Free Church Council and neighbouring churches did their best to support them in their fundraising efforts. At a Sale of Work held in December 1907 Joseph Thomas read out a letter of apology for absence from Frank Hipkiss, who said, “the life of the Mission had been a struggling one.” Amongst the list of stall holders at this event were Mr and Mrs Richard Finch, who were deeply involved in the foundation of the Mission.
Other families that were connected with the Mission during these early days were Whittaker, Roberts, Price and Hadley. Joseph Thomas was chairman of the trustees, Frank Tibbetts was their Treasurer, Edward Roberts was Sunday school superintendent, Harry Southall worked with the children in the Sunday school and was also the church organist and George Brookes was the choirmaster.
In April 1910 they held their Anniversary Services, and this is the last record we have found of worship taking place in the old corrugated iron building. They had been unable to raise sufficient funds to purchase the land and the lease expired on April 1st. Mr Hemming required re-possession of his land, and it is said that he padlocked the doors of the mission hall in order to deny them access. Incensed by this action, the people of Overend dismantled the building themselves, and carried the material to an allotment nearby. They held their meetings in the home of Thomas Hadley until they could have their own permanent place of worship. Here the congregation met in two rooms with the preacher standing in the adjoining passage.
By October 1910 they had found a piece of land that suited their needs. For the sum of £30 they purchased from William Jones and Mary Ann Sutton “a piece of ground for erecting and building thereon a chapel or place of religious worship…to be used as an un-denominational place of religious worship.”[11]This was the land upon which the present church building in Banner’s Street now stands.
The County Express December 17th 1910 reported upon the progress of the work.
“Since the demolition of the People’s Mission, Overend, services have been held in a cottage close by. The work of erecting a new mission room has now been commenced. A piece of land in Banner Street has been purchased from Mr W Jones and on this is being built an edifice 35ft long x 25ft wide. There will also be a vestry 12ft square and the whole building will stand back from the road 18ft. The entrance will be at the sides and in front will be placed a Gothic window, which can be removed at pleasure in case of enlargement if and when necessary. The ground has been paid for and so far there have been sufficient funds in hand to enable all the work done to be met. The total cost of the scheme will be about £300. The building operations are being shared by Mr. A Southall and H Roberts…. It is anticipated that the mission will be opened early in the new year.”
The six memorial stones that had been laid in the old building were salvaged from the demolition and incorporated into the new building. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon, April 1st 1911, at which a new stone bearing the inscription “Peoples Mission Hall Erected 1911”was laid by Mrs Elizabeth Smith, of Spinners End.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Rev A F Scudamore (Baptist minister and president of the Cradley Free Church Council). Also present was Rev W J Peatfield (Primitive Methodist minister) and lay members of the Free Church Council.
Joseph Thomas (Chairman of Trustees) said that they had made a mistake in having the original mission hall built on land that they did not own. The cost of the land and the premises were expected to be around £350, of which £100 had been raised. He appealed for support in clearing the debt on behalf of the people of Overend and thanked the Free Church Council for the interest that had been shown.
The door of the building was then formally opened by Edwin Bird, (Cradley Parish Clerk) and an act of worship followed. Rev Scudamore expressed his congratulations and pointed out that the congregation knew what it was like to be homeless, yet not lose heart. In similar cases there was a tendency to separate and scatter, but they had held together with pluck, earnestness and zeal. Rev Peatfield also delivered a short address in dedicating the building to God.
The opening became an occasion for celebration. On the following day, Sunday, the evening preacher was J Price of Stourbridge and Philip Case presided over a children’s service in the afternoon. Finally, on the Monday evening, they held a tea, which was followed by an entertainment given by the Red Rose Troupe, presided over by Frank Woodhouse.
By the same Deed of Conveyance, dated 24th October 1910, a new trust was formed and the constitution of the church was created. The founding trustees were:
| George Brookes | Banner Street | Furnaceman |
| Thomas Hadley | Overend | Striker |
| Herbert Roberts | Banner Street | Carpenter |
| Edward Roberts | Banner Street | Builder |
| Alfred Southall | Banner Street | Builder |
| Harry Southall | Furlong Lane | Builder |
| Joseph Thomas | Furlong Lane | Tailor’s Agent |
| Stephen Willetts | Banner Street | Chainmaker |
| Frank Tibbetts | Old Hill | Moulder |
All powers and responsibilities for managing the Mission were vested in the trustees. They were empowered to appoint and remove all officers, stewards and treasurers. They were to keep minutes of their meetings and account books and present them annually to the members for inspection.
They were totally responsible for all matters concerning property and finance with powers to rent out the buildings and receive pew rents.
Any trustee absenting himself for twelve months would automatically be disqualified and if, through death or disqualification, the number reduced to five, then new trustees were to be appointed, up to a minimum of nine and a maximum of twenty.
Provision was made in the constitution for disposal of the property. Any proceeds could only be used for procuring new premises or for promoting the gospel through some other religious agency.
The trustees were given the power to “unite with any other religious sect or denomination and…convey the property upon such trusts as shall be determined”[12] a provision that was to come into effect in 1971 as will be shown later.
It is noted that Richard Finch was not included in the list of trustees. His association with the Mission at this time seems to be tenuous. His name is not mentioned in connection with the activities of the Mission after 1907 although his wife continued to attend. It is our view that he gradually lost interest in its work. There may well have been a breakdown in relationships, as around 1913 his two sons, Philip and Harry, began to attend the Wesleyan Sunday school. In his later life Finch was looked upon as something of a “character” in Cradley. He began to work at Bogg’s Farm and was regularly seen walking to and from his work clad in gaiters and with a shotgun over his shoulder.
The Anniversary services in June 1911 were conducted by Mr and Mrs Beckley, who were missionaries from Great Bridge. Joseph Thomas reported that their income for the year was £145. Expenditure on land and buildings was £365, leaving them with an adverse balance of £220.[13] In order to secure their finances they took out a ten-year loan of £175 from Harry Ridsdale Perry, a grocer from Two Gates.
A bazaar was held in 1912 to provide funds for heating apparatus and to reduce the debt on the building. It was presided over by Rev Scudamore and raised £20. The society looked forward to a more comfortable winter.[14]
Once the new building had been opened the church quickly settled into a life style that was almost an exact replica of all the other Nonconformist societies in Cradley. They held morning and evening services on Sundays, conducted by local preachers from neighbouring churches or by one of their own members. Sunday school was held in the same building on Sunday afternoon. Certain Sundays were set aside for special services, commemorating the anniversary of Sunday school, Church or Christian Endeavour.
At the 1955 Jubilee Celebrations, Edwin Price reported that “the First World War had an unsettling effect on the church and threatened the existence of the movement, but in 1916 Mr T Hubble, a talented lay preacher, joined the Mission and restored its fortunes. After the Hubble family left the district Mr B Rose came forward giving inspired leadership.”[15]
Numerous special services and fundraising events were held in order to clear the debt on the property. This was finally achieved in 1921, when 200 people attended a gift tea. Sufficient funds were raised to renovate the church and install a new organ. The ‘celebrity’ organist for the occasion in March 1921 was Charles Worton, then aged 14, and a brother of Albert Worton who played the organ at Overend from 1971 until his death in 1995.
The renovations were carried out in 1922 and the building was re-opened in September with a musical service of orchestral and vocal items presided over by Benjamin Palmer of Cradley Heath.
Edward Roberts (1874-1914) died at his home in Banner’s Street in July 1914 after a long illness. He was just 40 years old and had been the first superintendent of the Sunday school. He was also a trustee, a member of the Independent Order of Rechabites[16] (see page 66) and had served on the Cradley Guild of Help (see page 63). Edward and his brother Herbert worked with their father, James, who was in business as a building contractor. Nine years later, in November 1923, a memorial stone was installed in the church and unveiled by Herbert Roberts. At the same service Alfred Southall unveiled a further stone, to the memory of George Brookes.
From 1924 onwards the work with children and young people began to prosper. Thomas Hadley and Joshua Poole were joint superintendents and there were about 70 children attending regularly.[17]
In March 1925 a service was held to receive new members into the church. Representatives were present from Grainger’s Lane and Cradley Primitive Methodist churches and the Cradley Free Church Council. The preacher was Rev John Wilkinson of Grainger’s Lane.[18]
By 1928 the society had begun to contemplate the possibility of having its own schoolroom, prompted by the fact that land adjacent to the church was available for purchase. Before any legal transaction could be entered into it was necessary to renew the trust. George Brookes, Edward Roberts and Stephen Willetts had died. Herbert Roberts, Joseph Thomas and Frank Tibbetts had ceased to attend. The new trust now consisted of:
| Thomas Hadley | Overend | Fitter |
| Alfred Southall | Banner Street | Builder |
| Harry Southall | Furlong Lane | Bricklayer |
| Bert Rose | Bearmore Road | Chainmaker |
| Mark Whitehouse | Surfeit Hill | Painter |
| Thomas Woodall | Overend | Coach Builder |
| John W. Head | Banner Lane | Turner |
| Joshua Poole | Belle Vale | Fitter |
| Wesley Cooper | Banner Street | Greengrocer |
| Alexander Roberts | Old Hill | Warehouseman |
The land was purchased from the personal representatives of William Jones (deceased) for the sum of £72 5s 0d and their next task was to set about raising the necessary finance to erect the schoolroom.
The 1928 trust document includes the first reference to Bert Rose (1884 – 1971), who played a major part in the development of Overend Mission over a period of more than 50 years.
Bert Rose became a Christian following the tragic death of his two-year old daughter Florence in 1916. He had married Mary Plant, one of the founder members of the People’s Mission. He blamed his own lifestyle for the child’s death and vowed to change his life. He threw himself into the work of the church, and within a short space of time had become Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the trustees.
In his younger days he was well known in the district as a body-builder, weightlifter and maker of the heaviest handmade chains. He began work at the age of 12 blowing bellows from 7 am to 6 pm. At the age of 18 he was employed as a striker on the heavy cable chain. At 20 he joined the Gymnastic Club at St Luke’s Church Hall and there he became interested in weightlifting. Weighing in at a mere 10st. 4lb he was capable of lifting a weight of 156 lb. with one hand above his head. His most renowned feat of strength was displayed at the Royal Theatre, Cradley Heath, where he lifted 5 young men on a bar and carried them off the stage.[19] He ended his working life at the factory of Ernest Stevens in Cradley Heath. He lived most of his life in Bearmore Road, Old Hill, from where he regularly walked the journey to Overend. Some time after the death of his wife in 1956 he came to live with his daughter in Banner’s Street.
There are memorials in the church to his infant daughter (the font) and to his wife, (the lectern). His only surviving daughter, Margaret (Cissie), married the church organist Albert Brookes and is still active in the life of the church.
From 1928 under the presidency of Bert Rose new life and enthusiasm was injected into the society. Each year from 1929 to 1935 the Sunday school came first in the annual scripture examination held by the Cradley Heath and District Sunday School Union. In January 1930 a Debating Society was formed, with Bert Rose as chairman and Harold Whitehouse as secretary. They met every Monday evening and over the following months they scrutinised such diverse subjects as The League of Nations, Heredity and the Environment, Modern Palestine and Science and Religion. For the younger people there was a successful football club and they took part in annual operettas performed over four successive evenings. The first one, “The Pierette Princess”, had to be delayed owing to the death of Alfred Southall.
Alfred Southall (1874 – 1930) had been connected with the society from its formation, and it was a great loss to them when he died in December 1930 at the age of 56. As a boy he attended High Town Ragged School and became a teacher there at the age of 16. A builder by trade, he transferred his allegiance to Overend in 1905 and helped to erect the first iron building. With his friend Herbert Roberts he helped construct the present building. He taught in the Sunday school from its commencement to his life’s end, and was awarded a long service diploma by the Sunday School Union. He also served as a trustee and was trust secretary at the time of his death. He was a member of the Debating Society and leader of the Women’s Bible Class. His funeral service was conducted by Rev John Wilkinson and the organist was Harold Whitehouse. Alfred was the brother of Harry Southall and grandfather of Lillian Raybould, who is still active but unable to attend worship through infirmity. Seven years after his death an electric clock was presented to the church in his memory.[20]
As the work in Banner’s Street expanded and new houses were built in the locality, the need for enlarged premises became ever more pressing. In June 1930 the trustees resolved to build a new schoolroom and began to look at ways that such a venture could be funded. Socials and suppers helped to finance the project and gave the members a sense of purpose.
It was 1933 before the trustees felt that their finances were sufficiently secure to commence building the new schoolroom. Plans were prepared by Cyril Turner of Old Hill. The building was to be 75ft by 30ft and contain a permanent stage with storeroom below, three classrooms and a kitchen. A contract was made withJ M Tate & Sonsfor erecting the building at a cost of £1000. They were also able to purchase additional land at the rear of the church, now used as the car park. This was bought from Mr George Stone for £32 12s 6d.
Before building work began a service was held on the site in order to dedicate the ground on which the new schoolroom was to stand. This took place on July 1st 1933 and was conducted by Rev Walter Chrimes of Grainger’s Lane Methodist Church. Mr Fletcher Lloyd “cut the first sod” in the presence of representatives from Providence, Grainger’s Lane, Christ Church, The Salvation Army and Wesley Reform churches. The ground was consecrated by Rev Chrimes with the words: “In the name of Almighty God and in the faith of Jesus Christ, we dedicate this ground to the service of childhood and youth, in the prayerful hope that here many may receive instruction in the things of the Spirit and become followers of Christ.”[21]
An appeal was launched and letters were sent out to members and friends. We quote from this letter[22] at length, as it captures the mood of 1933, looking back with pride upon past achievements and looking forward with hope of a prosperous future.
| “Twenty-eight years ago a small band of Christians started a movement which culminated in the erection of the place of worship known as Overend Mission in order to cater for the spiritual needs of that end of Cradley Parish. Up to the present, one building has had to serve as a Church and Sunday School as well as a place for entertainment, and it will be readily understood that this has been a great handicap to the leaders who have, however, pluckily stuck to their task. That good work has been done is shown by the fact that for the past five years in succession Overend Mission School have won the shield in the scripture examination organised by Cradley Heath and District Sunday School Union, while some of its members have headed their divisions in Band of Hope examinations open to all England. The officials feel that the time has now arrived when an effort should be made to erect a Sunday School to accommodate the increasing number of scholars, consequent upon housing developments in the neighbourhood. Through the devoted services of our members a substantial sum has been realised towards the accomplishment of this object. Plans have been approved and a contract accepted for building a suitable structure, at a cost of £1000. Every member of our Church belongs to the working class and they have made, and are still prepared to make, great sacrifices in order that God’s work can be successfully carried on in this part of the Cradley Parish. We are desirous of raising as much as possible by the time of the completion of the new school in the autumn, and invite the kind and generous assistance of all those interested in Sunday School work, and the moral and spiritual welfare of the people of our district. May we appeal to you to help us in our effort to secure better facilities for giving religious instruction to the young, and thus enable us to further the cause of Christ in our midst.” |
The appeal was signed by J Head (Church Secretary), B Rose (Chairman of Trustees),
T Hadley (Trust Secretary) and Edwin Price (Sunday school Secretary).
Since the 1928 trust was formed, Alfred Southall had died and Mark Whitehouse and Wesley Cooper had ceased to attend. In 1933 the remaining seven trustees entered into legal contracts for the building construction and for the purchase of the additional land. They also arranged to borrow £500 over ten years from their solicitor, William Attwood of Cradley Heath.
Only two of the trustees were in work at the time that building work commenced. They were told that they were ‘mad’ to even contemplate trying to raise £1000. They were determined to go ahead, even though they would become personally liable for any debt. Bert Rose used to tell of how a group of trustees went, cap in hand, to a local industrialist to appeal for a donation. Before entering his office they held an impromptu prayer meeting. They were rewarded with a substantial contribution to the building fund.
The stone-laying ceremony took place on Saturday 19th August 1933, conducted by Rev Walter Chrimes. Children had collected money for the building and their names were inscribed on bricks that were to be laid in the entrance porch. Stones were laid by Sophie Brookes on behalf of church and Sunday school, Thomas Hadley representing the trustees, Tamar Southall in memory of her late husband, Alfred and Harry Southall, former church secretary.
The men of the church volunteered to excavate the foundations and carry out much of the internal fitting out. Within 4 months the building was opened. The service was presided over by Rev Idris Williams (Four Ways Baptist) and the door was opened by Mrs J Stringer, one of their first Sunday school teachers. The first people to enter were two of the youngest children present. Rev E A Toulouse (Anglican) and Rev Taylor Richardson (Methodist) took part in the service and it was reported that members of all denominations in Cradley, Cradley Heath and Old Hill were present. The service was followed by tea in the chapel and a public meeting in the new schoolroom.[23]
The cost of the Sunday school building had stretched their finances to its limits. In 1934 the society felt that they needed a new kitchen. Any catering at the premises could only be undertaken when neighbours allowed the church to use the facilities in their houses. The work could only be entertained by the use of voluntary labour, so the young men of the church formed a working party. Throughout the summer they turned out after a day’s work and, under the supervision of Harry Southall, they laboured until 10.00 p m each night until September when the kitchen was completed.
A Women’s Bright Hour group was formed in 1935 under the leadership of Sophie Brookes and meeting on Thursday afternoon. This meeting was to make an important contribution to the society for the remainder of its life.
In 1936 when the church needed to be re-decorated there was no shortage of volunteers. The church was closed for three months from May to July to allow the work to be carried out.
It was 1936 when Overend first began to show signs of weakening. The hopes of increased numbers coming from the new housing in the area failed to materialise. A church meeting in January spent considerable time discussing the problem of decreasing numbers of Sunday school scholars. Concern was also expressed at the small attendance at evening worship.
The leaders and office holders in the church in 1936 were:
| President | Bert Rose |
| Secretary | Jack Head |
| Treasurer | Harry Southall |
| Sunday school | Edwin Price |
| Women’s Bible Class | Thomas Hadley |
| Choirmaster | Joshua Poole |
| Organists | Harry Southall and Joshua Poole |
Non-denominational churches have always had to work out for themselves how to celebrate Holy Communion. The Methodist Church has traditionally appointed the ordained minister to officiate at the sacraments, as often as appointments will allow. In special circumstances Conference gives a dispensation to certain lay persons to carry out the duties.
In 1936 Overend began to hold a communion service every month. As ministers visited them on very rare occasions, all these services were conducted by lay people who were acceptable to the trustees. Many were conducted by the president, Bert Rose.
Joshua Poole retired in July 1939 and was presented with a clock in recognition of him serving 20 years as choirmaster. He was succeeded by Albert Brookes.
During the war years Overend reduced their Sunday services to one per week, meeting for worship in the afternoon in the winter and in the evening in the summer. They also held “Prayer, Praise and Testimony” meetings on Saturday evenings. They made sure of their financial security by paying off ahead of schedule the loan on the premises that had been taken out in 1933.
When the war was over in 1945 the management committee made plans to extend the church and install a new organ at a cost of £1000. This proved to be somewhat ambitious, but they were able to carry out various improvements to the property, as there was no shortage of voluntary labour. Their plans for a new organ had to be put on hold, as they were unable to obtain the necessary planning permission to build the organ chamber.[24] Instead they purchased a second-hand organ salvaged from the blitz in London which did not require a chamber. This, together with a new pulpit and choir stalls, was installed and dedicated in January 1949.
It was in 1949 that the society turned its attention to working with young people. After a preliminary meeting with the young people to get their ideas, the management committee decided to open up a Youth Club. They approached the project with a great deal of caution. It was eventually agreed that for a trial period of three months the schoolroom could be used one night per week, from 7. 00 p m to 10. 00 p m. The youths were required to attend church or Sunday school before becoming members. They must pay for any breakage, make a donation towards the cost of heating and lighting and pay the caretaker for putting on the heating.[25]
When the committee met later in the year to review progress it was generally agreed that the rules needed to be more strictly observed, particularly those concerning the time of opening and closing, attending church or Sunday school, switching off lights and keeping out of the primary classroom. It was decided to print the rules on a large white card so that the young people could see what was required of them. The Youth Club was closed in 1952.
In April 1950 the management committee were shocked to receive a bill for £140 from Halesowen Council for their share of the cost of making up the road and footpath in Banner’s Street. They wrote to their good friend Rev John Wilkinson for advice, who put them in touch with the Methodist Property Department in Manchester. They made representation to the Mayor and Town Clerk; they sought legal advice, but all to no avail. In March 1952 they were forced to admit defeat and pay the bill.
The church was extended in 1951 with the erection of a new choir vestry and entrance porch.
In September 1952 a Boys’ Brigade Company was formed with Eric Potter as its first captain. It became the 11th Company of the South Staffordshire Battalion. Bert Rose conducted the Sunday morning Bible Class and the company provided a wide range of activities, particularly organised football and summer camps that proved popular with local boys. The inaugural service took place in March 1953 when 23 boys, including this author, were enrolled.
With the death of Harry Southall (1880-1953) Overend Mission lost its last remaining link with the original ‘Tin Mission’. As a young man he had assisted in the erection of the first building, and he immediately began to work with the children in the Sunday school and to play the organ at church services. He maintained his work in the Sunday school for the rest of his life. On Monday May 4th 1953, the day after his death, he was due to receive a long service diploma at the annual prizegiving service of the Cradley Heath and District Sunday School Union, which was held at Overend.
When the present building was erected in 1910, Harry became a trustee, another office that he held for the rest of his life. He served the church at various times as treasurer and leader of the Christian Endeavour. He left a son, George and three daughters, Lillian (Billingham), Hilda (Hadley) and Ethel (Mantle) at whose home in West Road he died. He had played the organ at the Christian Endeavour during the previous week. Edwin Price, who at the time was president of the Mission, conducted his funeral service.
1955 was a special year for Overend Mission, as it marked their 50th anniversary. On Monday 14th November, exactly 50 years after the original Mission Hall was opened for public worship, the celebrations began when Bert Rose and Tamar Southall, two of the oldest members, conducted a “Tree of Memory” service.
On the following Thursday Rev John Wilkinson conducted an afternoon devotional service. This was followed by a birthday tea when the cake was cut by Lizzie Finch, widow of Richard Finch. An open-air service was held at the site of the original chain shop in Butchers Lane and finally, Mr Fletcher Lloyd chaired a rally where Rev Wilkinson was the guest preacher.
The celebrations were concluded on Sunday 20th November. The Sunday school children gave a demonstration in the afternoon and the preacher at the evening service was Rev Walter Chrimes.
The Souvenir Booklet prepared for the occasion makes reference to “the history of our first 50 years is being prepared and will be published shortly.” To the best of our knowledge the history was never completed and it is hoped that this booklet will become the definitive history of Overend Mission.
Reporting on the effect of the Jubilee Celebrations at the annual meeting in February 1956 the President, Edwin Price, “felt that we had caught a little of the spirit that had prevailed in the Chain Shop. It had been a thrill to see so many of the old scholars once again, and many old friends who had been workers years ago at the Mission.”[26]
The years immediately following the Jubilee Celebrations proved to be quite difficult for the society. Whereas the Management Committee used to meet nearly every month, in 1956 there were no meetings at all, and only two in 1957. By this time Eric Potter had left the district and E J (Jim) Price had become captain of the Boys’ Brigade. In 1958 a minor dispute within the church led to a few departures. Among them was Jim Price who transferred to Short Cross Methodist Church. The Boys’ Brigade at Overend closed and re-started at Short Cross.
No meetings at all were held in 1959 and when the Annual Meeting was held in 1960 the President, George Southall, apologised that no meeting had been held the previous year. “It had been a very difficult year, and much friction existed between members.”[27] The choir had been disbanded but it was hoped that a new choir would soon be formed.
Morale in the church soon recovered. In 1962 a new Youth Club was formed and the President was able to report that the members were now working together in harmony. This sense of togetherness gave the society the confidence to make plans to improve the interior of the church. The scheme included the provision of fixed upholstered pews, new carpets and curtains, new furniture for the communion area and an oil-fired boiler. The scheme cost £2500, which stretched their finances beyond its limit and could only be funded by a substantial bank loan. It became imperative that the Trust, which had remained unchanged since 1928, should be renewed for most of the trustees were either deceased or inactive. The new trustees were George Southall, Edgar Raybould, Albert Brookes, Walter Rose and Clarrie Bastable.
The church was closed in the autumn of 1962 whilst the alterations were carried out. Edgar Raybould, who was church secretary at the time and was responsible for designing the new furniture, tells a lovely story of how, from his window overlooking Fatherless Barn Church, he saw a lorry load of pews being delivered. He observed that they were very similar to those he had ordered for Overend. He then realised that they were Overend’s pews and he had to point out to the friends at Fatherless Barn that although “God moves in mysterious ways”, He had not provided them with “pews from heaven.” The pews were recovered and delivered to their rightful place.
The church was re-opened after all these improvements were carried out on March 8th 1963 at a special service conducted by Rev E Rowlands, a retired Methodist minister living in Cradley Heath. Clarrie Bastable and Bert Rose expressed the gratitude of the Management Committee for the gifts that had been received.
Over the next few years the society struggled to pay off the debts they had incurred and attendance at worship began to decline. By 1967 there were few children attending Sunday school and the anniversary services were reduced to evenings only. “The responsibility of keeping the Mission going now rested on a few, but if we all worked together much could be achieved.” These were the words of George Southall speaking at the 1967 annual meeting. There are no records of any further meetings, either Management Committee or annual meetings, taking place until December 1970.
The President called a combined meeting of trustees and management committee on December 15th 1970 to consider an approach made by the Bethesda society. There were seven people present. George Southall reported that Bethesda “had been advised by their minister that it would be necessary in the near future to close the Bethesda chapel. After careful consideration the Leaders had decided to approach the Mission with a view to a possible amalgamation of the two churches.” After discussing the implications of such a merger the meeting “unanimously approved that this proposal be accepted and that the proceedings be put in motion to bring the amalgamation about.” A general meeting was called for the following week to inform the membership of their decision.
The “proceedings to be put in motion” largely consisted of the transfer of legal ownership of the Overend property to the Methodist Church and this was left to the superintendent minister, Rev Ian Graham and the Methodist Property Department. The provision in the original Deed of Conveyance of October 1910, that the premises could only be disposed of “for promoting the gospel through some other religious agency,” ensured that the transfer went through smoothly. Leaders of both societies began to hold joint meetings in anticipation of the merger taking place in September 1971. Plans were drawn up for the work necessary to adapt Overend’s organ chamber to receive Bethesda’s organ.
Overend Mission’s proud 66 year history as an independent Mission Hall was coming to an end and their new life as part of the family of Methodism was about to begin.
We conclude with a list of principal officers who served the People’s Mission from its foundation up to 1971.
1905 – 1933: Trust Officials
| Chairman | Treasurer | Secretary |
| 1905 – 1917 Joseph Thomas | 1905 – 1907 William Bloomer | 1910 Alfred Southall |
| – 1928 Alfred Southall | 1907 – 1911 Frank Tibbets | 1911 Thomas Hadley |
| 1928 – 1933 Bert Rose | 1911 – Joseph Thomas | – 1930 Alfred Southall |
| 1933 – Joshua Poole | 1931 -1933 Thomas Hadley |
1931 – 1971: Church Officials
| President | Treasurer | Secretary | ||
| 1931 – 1944 Bert Rose | 1931 – 1933 Mark Whitehouse | 1931 – 1933 Wesley Cooper | ||
| 1945 – 1946 Jack Head | 1933 – 1953 Harry Southall | 1933 – 1948 Jack Head | ||
| 1947 – 1951 Bert Rose | 1953 – 1971 Walter Rose | 1949 – 1971 Edgar Raybould | ||
| 1951 – 1957 Edwin Price | ||||
| 1957 – 1971 George Southall | ||||
Others
| Choirmaster | Organist | |
| 1905 – George Brookes | ||
| 1919 – 1939 Joshua Poole | 1905 – 1953 Harry Southall | |
| 1939 – 1971 Albert Brookes | 1953 – 1971 Albert Brookes |
1971 to 1995 – Overend Methodist Church
The members of the Bethesda and Overend societies held their first meeting on 9th September 1971 under the chairmanship of Rev Ian Graham. The newly-appointed second minister of the Cradley Heath circuit, Rev Anthony Smith, was also present for he had been given pastoral responsibility for the new society.
The main purpose of the meeting was to appoint officers of the new church. Arthur Williams, Ray Crow, Fred Crow, George Southall, Albert Brookes and Walter Rose were chosen to be society stewards. Edgar Raybould was leaders’ meeting secretary and Albert Worton was church treasurer.
The following day, Friday 10th September, a service of union took place. Fred Crow and George Southall (church stewards) read the lessons and the guest preacher was Rev Brian O’Gorman, Chairman of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District
When the two societies were planning their merger, it was anticipated that the membership of the new church would be in excess of 100. The reality was that some of Bethesda’s members failed to transfer to Overend and the first membership figure reported to the leaders’ meeting (30th November 1971) was 84. These were divided into 7 classes.[28]
The building work necessary to accommodate the Bethesda organ was soon completed and on December 11th 1971 the church was formally re-opened by David Tate. Revs Ian Graham and Tony Smith conducted the service and Ethel Evans and George Southall read lessons. Once again, Rev Brian O’Gorman was the guest preacher. Referring to the union of the two churches he commented that “this is an act of faith because you believe that a Christian community is an essential factor of a modern British community.” Also present were the Vicar of Cradley, Rev N Fox and Mr Albert Bailey, a former vice-president of the Methodist Conference.[29] The service was followed by a tea and a concert.
The new society took the name Overend Methodist Church and gradually settled into a regular routine. Sunday worship took place on evenings only. The Christian Endeavour fellowship met on Wednesday evening and a women’s fellowship (the Bright Hour) met on Thursday afternoon. Work with young people consisted of Sunday school, led by Ethel Evans and a Friday night Youth Club led by Peter Worton. A strong choir made a significant contribution to their worship.
A social committee was formed, out of which came a Dancing Class, initially led by Olive and Jim Pritchard, which was to make an important impact on the social life and the income of the society up until 1995.
Many of the older members who had sustained both societies for many years died within the first two years, notably Bert Worton, George Southall, Alfred Bowen and Bert Rose.
George Southall JP was committed to serving the community through his political work as well as his life in the church. In 1931 he was serving as chapel steward and in 1946 he was vice president of the society. By this time he had become deeply involved in the work of the Labour Party and was elected to Halesowen Borough Council. In 1954 he became Mayor of Halesowen. At the annual civic meal where normally council officials and leading citizens were invited, George broke with tradition and invited 200 local people from all walks of life. He was proud that the Civic Service was held at Overend Mission, conducted by the Mayor’s Chaplain, Rev F Manning.
Also in 1954 he marked his first appearance as a Justice of the Peace by paying a £1 fine that he had levied against a man for failing to produce a wireless licence. Since being invalided out of the army without a pension the man had only worked for 3 months and had a wife and 4 children to support.
George was appointed president of the Mission in 1957 and held that office until 1971 when the amalgamation took place.
In 1973 a Young Wives Group was started under the leadership of Ethel Evans. The group, which met weekly, held fundraising events and was encouraged to plan and lead worship on special occasions. This was much appreciated by the rest of the church. Some women were brought into church membership through this group.
Rev Tony Smith worked tirelessly to give the new society every chance of growth and to introduce the ex-Overend members into the workings of Methodism. He was constantly seeking to make new members, organise leaflets and visits to local homes and to introduce different services to attract new worshippers. In spite of his best efforts, and that of other church members, the society continued to decline in numbers. Membership fell to 77 in 1972, 71 in 1974 and in 1976, when Rev Smith left the circuit, 69. Upon his departure pastoral care of the society passed to Rev Stanley Pillinger.
A major property improvement scheme was planned in 1977. It consisted of a new front entrance lobby to link the church and school buildings, with new toilets and cloakrooms. The estimated cost of the project was £5,000. The church felt that if they could raise £2,000 themselves the remainder might be covered by grants from circuit and connexional funds.
They began to organise fundraising events throughout 1978 so that work was able to commence in April 1979. The opening ceremony took place on December 1st 1979, when the entrance was formally opened by Edgar Raybould and dedicated by Rev Stanley Pillinger. The final cost of the alterations was £7,050.
A series of resignations and deaths left the society struggling for leadership. Between 1980 and 1982 Edgar and Lillian Raybould, Arthur and May Williams and Ray Crow all resigned their office and left the church. Fred Crow, Elizabeth Crow and Edith Cox died. In the same period membership dropped to 50. Poor attendance at Sunday worship became a constant cause for concern, as did the drop in income.
In order to cope with their reduced circumstances the various committees were disbanded and all the business of the church was dealt with by the church council, meeting every three months. The Young Wives Group worked particularly hard, providing women who, although they had little or no experience in church management, came forward and accepted the responsibility of office. When the church council was re-formed in 1983 it consisted of 14 women and 6 men.
Albert and Cissie Brookes, Jack and Ethel Evans, Albert and Annie Worton, Bessie Kirton, Frank and Mary Chater and Margaret Coomby were amongst those who battled against the odds to keep the society alive over the next 12 years. In 1989 they began holding their Sunday worship in the afternoon. This made it a little easier for some of the elderly people to attend and had the added advantage of allowing the minister, Rev Frank Cooke, to be present with the congregation on a regular basis.
The Sunday school was closed around 1990, so that hardly any young people were coming into the church. Many of the key office holders were now in their 80s and could not be expected to carry the burden of office any longer.
Matters came to a head early in 1994 when membership had fallen to 25, but less than half that number were attending worship. At a church council meeting presided over by Rev Frank Cooke in January 1994 it became plain that the society could no longer continue in its present format. Key officers wished to retire but no one could be found to fill their places. The society was aware that the Trinity society was experiencing difficulty with its property and was seeking a way forward that would secure its future. In a bold venture Overend decided to offer their premises for Trinity’s use and, in the event of a merger of the two societies, would be prepared to stand down and allow Trinity to take over their society.
In October 1994 Trinity gave a positive response to their offer and the Overend society began to look forward to a new start in September 1995, the agreed date for the merger to come into effect.
Overend Methodist Church existed from September 1971 to August 1995. Edgar Raybould was church secretary from 1971 to 1979 and was replaced by Frank Chater. Ethel Evans was in charge of the Sunday school from 1971 to its closure.
Albert Worton (1915 – 1995) attended many of the Overend and Trinity officers’ meetings but died just a few weeks before the merger took place. He was appointed organist at Bethesda in 1939 and played there until the church closed in 1971. He was then appointed organist at Overend and played there until his death. He was also church treasurer for 43 years, from 1952 to 1971 at Bethesda and from 1971 to 1995 at Overend. He held numerous circuit and district offices, including circuit steward of the Stour Vale circuit from 1959to 1965. At various times he was a district trustee and treasurer of the district Home Mission fund.
Albert was devoted to the church and to its music and also gave invaluable assistance in property matters. He personally supervised the fitting out of the new kitchen, which was all carried out by voluntary labour, and when the entrance lobby was erected in 1979 Albert was responsible for manufacturing the entrance doors. He was supported in his work by his wife Annie who is a valued member of the present day Overend congregation.
Albert Brookes (1912 – 1993) was content to be deputy organist at Overend from 1971 until his death. Before the merger with Bethesda he had been choir master from 1939 to 1971 and organist from 1953 to 1971. During this time he played for all church, Bright Hour and Christian Endeavour services. He also played for the Sunday school and was responsible for training the children for the anniversary services each year. Albert lived in Banner’s Street and was constantly found on the church premises attending to property repairs and coaxing the heating apparatus into operation. He was the son of George Brookes who died in the Great War and of Sophie Brookes who, in 1935, started the women’s Bright Hour meeting. In 1995 just before the merger with Trinity, his wife Margaret (Cissie) was responsible for Home Missions, Overseas Missions, Network and Bright Hour. She is still an active member at Overend with responsibility for Home Missions and the Women’s Fellowship.
Some of the office holders at Overend included:
| Secretary | Treasurer | School Super | |||
| Edgar Raybould | 1971-1979 | Albert Worton | 1971-1995 | Ethel Evans | 1971-1990 |
| Albert Worton | 1980 | ||||
| Frank Chater | 1981-1995 |
1995 onwards – Overend Methodist Mission
On the evening of Sunday September 3rd 1995 the congregations of Trinity and Overend met together in worship for the first time and a new era for Methodism in Cradley began. The service was conducted by Rev Chris Cory and was attended by members of both the Stour Vale and Cradley Heath / Old Hill circuits.
On October 11th the first General Church Meeting was held to elect the church stewards. These were Brenda Woodhouse, Carolyn Lenton, Bessie Kirton, Margaret Coomby, Keith Bradley and Peter Jones. At the first church council meeting held two weeks later, Peter Jones was appointed church treasurer and Judith Tyler church secretary. Other office holders included John Woodhouse (property secretary), Janet Jones (Sunday school secretary) and Reg Evans (organist). Various names for the new society were put forward, the most popular being Overend Methodist Mission. The same meeting agreed to set up a Drop-in Centre in Windmill Hill as its first venture in mission, the details of which are discussed on page 64/65.
In the summer of 1995 whilst the preparations for the merger were taking place, Trinity was reporting a membership of 76 and Overend 26. It was hoped that this level of membership would be maintained and that there would be few losses as a result of the merger. At the first review of membership in November 1995 the ex-Trinity numbers reduced to 62 and Overend came down to 23 so that the first reported membership of the new society was 85.
At the end of the first year, in July 1996, deaths and removals had reduced the membership to 76.
Money held by the Trinity society, together with the proceeds of the sale of pews, furniture, windows and organ parts that raised about £3500, was used to improve the Overend property. Before the merger took place a gas heating system was installed in the schoolroom and in 1997 the car park was re-surfaced and part of the schoolroom was converted into two rooms for the storage of tables, chairs and Play Group equipment. These improvements cost about £18,000. The society then began to plan a major improvement scheme to provide a new kitchen, access from the car park and facilities for people with walking difficulties. This project is presently in the planning stage and is expected to commence in the year 2001. It will be partially financed by the proceeds of the sale of the Trinity site.
All of the organisations that were running at Trinity transferred to Overend with varying degrees of success and are still operating. The Women’s Friendly meeting combined with the Overend Bright Hour and meets on Thursday afternoon. Cissie Brookes is the secretary.
Other groups meeting, together with their leaders are:
| Boys’ Brigade | Belinda McBain |
| Rainbows | Sandra Callard |
| Brownies | Annette Bache |
| Guides | Jo Mitchell |
| Sunday school | Deborah Bradley |
| Luncheon Club | Annie Pearson |
| Ladies Guild | Bessie Deeley |
The church stewards are Brenda Woodhouse, Bessie Kirton, Sandra Callard, Shirley Hollingsworth and Barry Blunt. Bill McBain is church secretary and Peter Jones is church treasurer. Reg Evans is still the organist and the choir mistress is Carolyn Lenton.
Two new local preachers have been accredited, namely Jill Martin (1995) and Shirley Hollingsworth (2000). In addition, Brenda Woodhouse and Nicki Bainbridge have been approved as Worship Leaders. A musical group called InterMission that was begun in the last few years at Trinity continues to contribute to the musical life of the church.
The society still has dual membership of the Stour Vale and Cradley Heath / Old Hill circuits. Pastoral responsibility is shared between the superintendents of those circuits, David Barker and Trevor Hancock. Membership of the society in November 2000 stood at 69.
[1] County Express 23rd February 1901
[2] County Express 16th March 1901
[3] Wesleyan Sunday School Minute Book 1903-1914
[4] County Express 19th August 1905
[5] This is how he is described in the local press. We have found no evidence of his accreditation.
[6] Brierley Hill Advertiser 1st April 1905
[7] 3rd December 1955
[8] Brierley Hill Advertiser 25th August 1905
[9] Op. cit.
[10] Brierley Hill Advertiser 11th November 1905
[11] Deed of Conveyance of a piece of land at Overend, Cradley, upon trust. Dudley Archives Acc. No.9061
[12] Deed of Conveyance Op cit.
[13] 24th June 1911
[14] 21st September 1912
[15] 19th November 1955
[16] 18th July 1914
[17] 7th February 1925
[18] 21st March 1925
[19] 11th September 1965
[20] 26th November 1938
[21] 8th July 1933
[22] Dudley Archives Acc. No. 8637
[23] 9th December 1933
[24] 14th August 1948
[25] Overend Mission Minute Book 1949 – 1967. Dudley Archives Acc 8637
[26] Overend Mission Minute Book 1949 – 1967.
[27] Op cit.
[28] Overend Leaders Meeting / Church Council Minutes 1971-1984. Dudley Archives acc. 8637
[29] 17th December 1971