History of Emmanuel Parish Church of Bentley

IN THE BEGINNING The Parish of Emmanuel Bentley, was created from part of St. Giles’ Willenhall in May 1958. This was the last link in a chain of events which had taken place over several years. They had all started on 21st December 1953, in the Welfare Hall on Wolverhampton Road. On that day the first service was held to inaugurate a new conventional district, to be called Emmanuel in Bentley. The person charged with bringing this designation into a working reality, was Rev. Francis Insull. For three years services took place in the Welfare Hall, which had also to double as a meeting room for other church organisations. The duties of the sides persons, were also to turn an ordinary hall into a church for each Sunday’s worship. On 21st June 1954, Mrs Florence Owen, wife of the first Mr. Alfred Owen, laid the foundation stone of the present church. The construction of the building was under the supervision of architects Twentyman and Percy. They had also designed the building. The church was ready for consecration on 21st July 1956. The church was a gift from the three chldren of Mr. Alfred Owen, erected in his memory. The three donors were, Sir Alfred Owen, Mr Ernest Owen, and their sister Mrs Stanley. As a result of their interest the Owen family became patrons of the parish, together with the Bishop of Lichfield. CONSECRATION DAY The following is an extract taken from the 'R.O. News august 1956:- Workmen are this week putting the finishing touches to what must surely be the most impressive church in the diocese, the Church of Emmanuel at Bentley. It is not only the modern architecture and decor that make this church one to be remembered, but it’s very position, on a hill dominating a typical Black Country scene, which gives it a prominence to remember. On Saturday, the new church will be consecrated by the Bishop, Dr. A.S.Reeve. The consecration is only the start of a weekend of dedication and celebration. An essential part of the consecration is the holding of Holy Communion, by the Bishop on the following morning. The church, hall and parsonage, joined by short corridors, have cost about £50,000 and have been paid for by the family of the late Alfred Ernest Owen. They will stand as a memorial to him. Emmanuel church will serve the needs of a growing population, and will ultimately be the parish church of Bentley. at the moment it stands in the parish of St.Giles in Willenhall. Although the people who attend the church will not have to worry about finding money to restore the church, they will not be free from financial worries. The curate in charge, the Rev. F. Insull said that the church would cost a ‘tremendous amount’ to maintain, and the money will perhaps be harder to obtain, because the congregation is mainly of working class people. ‘The task of the church is tremendous,’ he says.’we started here two years ago with a temporary building. I hope we have made some impression on the people. We certainly have made an impression on the children, and have built up several organisations such as scouts and guides.’ ‘This new church presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the work we have already done.’ Below are a few photographs of the Consecration Day:- Furhter history of Emmanuel to follow shortly.