As many discrepancies have often appeared in print as to the cost of the erection of the present Church of St. Thomas, Dudley, I am enabled, through the courtesy of Ephraim Ball, Esq., of Halesowen, to lay before the reading public some authentic information on this head, taken from valuable documents now in his possession, which belonged to the Churchwardens and Building Committee at that remote period. Mr. Ball’s subjoined letter to the Dudley Guardian, in 1871, effectually sets that question for ever at rest.
We have also another very pleasant evidence of the liberality and care for the spiritual wants of the parishioners displayed at that time by the then Viscount Dudley and Ward, in erecting a new Gallery in St. Edmund’s Church, to enable the church going inhabitants to obtain some sitting accommodation in public worship, during the very protracted time occupied in the erection of the New Parish Church.
Dudley, July 10th, 1815.
My Lord,
The Churchwardens of Dudley beg leave most respectfully to inform your Lordship that, as it is found expedient to put up a Gallery in Saint Edmund’s Church, for the accommodation of the inhabitants, while the Parish Church is building; that a space on your Lordship’s Chancel being the only one for such Gallery, which will become your Lordship’s property hereafter; that there is no power of applying any part of the subscription money, raised for the intended New Parish Church, towards the said Gallery; and that the parishioners having contributed to the utmost of their means, for the erection of the Church—we are emboldened by your Lordship’s great liberality, on all occasions to the town of Dudley, to solicit your kind assistance to enable us to complete the Gallery, according to an estimate amounting to £181, which will greatly add to the many obligations which we owe your Lordship. In behalf of the parish, we are my Lord,
Your Lordship’s much obliged,
And most respectful Servants,
T. HILL AND EDWARD GUEST.