Stark images have been released of how St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter could look if water damage continues to ravage the roof and interiors of this community focussed church in Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square.
A campaign has been launched to save the iconic Grade I listed ‘jewellers church’ after it was given the devastating news that its roof is no longer watertight and warned that it needs to be replaced at a cost of £660,000.
Local businesses in and around the square and those that can have been asked to contribute £1000 or more to save this local landmark from destruction. Following the fundraising call to action, businesses have, so far, donated £70k to replace the roof.
Vicar of St. Paul’s Church, David Tomlinson said: “It’s great news that businesses have started the journey to save this much-loved church, but we have a long way to go. We have architects and builders ready to start and if every business in the Jewellery Quarter and surrounding areas donated just £1000, we’d be on our way in no time.
“This is a generational opportunity to secure the future of this vibrant community and cultural hub, and a vista once loved and used in marketing materials throughout Birmingham, for the city and future generations.”
St. Paul’s Church is at the heart of the city’s Jewellery Quarter and stands in the centre of Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square. Designed by Roger Eykyn of Wolverhampton, it was originally built in the late 1700s. The upper part of the tower and spire which house the largest ‘rings of bells’ in the UK were added around 1822.
Over the years, it has welcomed entrepreneurs such as Matthew Boulton and James Watt through its doors and its acoustics were allegedly sought by classical composer Felix Mendelssohn.
To donate and to find out more, visit www.stpaulsjq.church/raise-the-roof or follow the progress of the appeal on social media via #RaisetheRoofStPauls.
