An eccelsiastical week

In preparation for our Heritage Open Day event at St John the Divine Church, Willenhall, I've been roving round on the bus, photographing specific churches.

 Sir Basil Spence, most renowned as the architect of Coventry Cathedral, was also responsible for the design of three suburban churches, built on the 1950s estates of Willenhall, Wood End and Tile Hill. All three churches are celebrating their 55th anniversary this year; they have stood the test of time and their campanile towers are still an important feature of the local landscape.





St John the Divine, Willenhall

 The project to build these churches began in 1954, using money allocated by the War Damage Commission. There were only enough funds for one brick-built church; however, three churches could be built very economically using 'no fines' concrete. This method involved pouring concrete containing no fine aggregates such as sand, into suppporting 'shutters'. The concrete set very quickly and the supports could then be taken away to reveal rough-cast slabs. It was an economical method which allowed each new estate to have its own church, rugged and characterful.

St Chad's, Wood End

There is a real honesty about these churches: they are fit for purpose, and although the bell towers have neede attention over the years, the actual fabric of the buildings is quite low maintenance. Having spacious church halls attached means that community activities can take place, and the central location makes the church a focal point of each estate.

St Oswald's, Tile Hill

We will be celebrating 55 years of Sir Basil Spence's architecture at St John the Divine on Saturday 8th September from 12 noon till 4pm. Come along and see our history displays, join in our children's craft session and enjoy some of our delicious home-made cakes.