A local history book published in September 2009.
Built in celebration of victory at the battle of Waterloo the building was originally a chapel belonging to St.Mary’s and All Saints. Consecrated on the 13th September 1824 the chapel had 2,000 seats for the rapidly growing town. Parish Church status came in 1867 but perhaps the most significant event was its complete destruction by fire in 1922. Rebuilt under the direction of Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, architect of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, it was rededicated exactly 101 years after its consecration on 13th September 1925.
St.George’s Schools, the Parish Room, the daughter churches of St.Cecilia’s and St Chad’s together with the history of St.Andrew’s, “the tin church”, demolished to make way for the ring-road, are all covered in 164 pages packed with information and photographs.
The social life of the town and the early influence of the carpet “masters” also form part of this fascinating history. Parish life is well featured with many stories about the clergy, congregation and the characters that have played their part in the church’s traditions.
The book has been compiled and written by Melvyn Thompson whose association with St.George’s choir started near the end of the Second World War.
Priced at £12.99 in the shops the book is also available “post-free” [UK only] from -
Melvyn Thompson, 2 Flint Close, Kidderminster DY10 1YF [cheques "M.Thompson"]
For other information, multiple orders or overseas enquiries contact Melvyn at the above address or telephone 01562 67077 or email mel.thompson@sky.com
“St.George’s – a Waterloo Church” is also the title of a popular talk to local organisations !
All income to St.George’s Fabric Fund.
St.George’s History
While the book is a wealth of information it was not possible to include everything.
The main location of historical information is the County Records Office at County Hall in Worcester. Accession Numbers 8446, 9205 and 9799.
The deposit contains a mixture of parish magazines, service registers, minutes of committee meetings together with some registers of births, baptisms, marriages [including banns of marriage] and burials. There are a number of inventories of the church’s assets, insurance policies and faculties. Information regarding the daughter churches of St.Andrew,s, St.Cecilia’s and St.Chad’s are included with records from the formation of St.George’s Schools.
Kidderminster Library Reference Section retains a selection of photographs and parish magazines together with a copy of some of the registers, all on micro-film.
The Census registers and past issues of local newspapers are also a wealth of information; they are also on micro-film.
In the preparation of the book Melvyn Thompson formed a small collection of document copies and photographs and will help where he can if other sources fail !
He is also available to receive any new donations.
