Lanterns and time capsule for church anniversary

ST Giles Church in Rowley Regis are drawing up plans to celebrate 100 years of the fourth church building in September.

They aim to raise funds to once more light up the two heritage lamps which stand at the church entrance.

Phase 1 will involve the two columns having their existing arched brackets, which have deteriorated following years of exposure to the Rowley weather, removed and restored.

Temporary Georgian lanterns will be fitted until the the restoration of the original brackets is completed.

Work will be undertaken to lay new cables to connect both lamps to the electricity supply in the church, ready for the September celebrations.

St Giles are also planning to bury a time capsule filled with photos of people who have connections to Rowley in some way.

“People are invited to send a photo with a donation for the ‘Let There Be Light’ appeal which will be put into the time capsule,” said a church spokesperson.

“The photo is of your choosing, it can be a wedding photo, a lost loved one’s photo, family, yourself, a group, etc. Please write information on the reverse. All photos will be placed into acid-free pouches before being placed into the capsule.”

If you wish to donate, post your photo and donation to ‘Let There Be Light,’ Rev John Bridge, 840 Walsall Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B42 1ES. Please make cheque payable to Rowley Regis PCC

You can also put your photo and donation (cash or cheque) into an envelope marked ‘Let There Be Light’ and hand deliver to St Giles Church on a Sunday morning before or after the service. Time of service 10.15 to 11.30am.

You can also donate by using the link or QR code by going to stgileschurch-rowley.co.uk and clicking on Centenary Fundraising for further information.

Please write your telephone number on the reverse of your photo so that it can be matched to your donation.