Birmingham landmark hits £100k fundraising mark but time is running out
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One of Birmingham’s much beloved historical buildings has reached a fundraising milestone in the race against time to save it from the elements.
The iconic Grade I listed St. Paul’s Church, known locally as the ‘jewellers church’ has reached its first fundraising target of £100K thanks to significant donations from precious metal refiner and manufacturer, The Betts Group and The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust.
Charlie Betts of The Betts Group said: “We heard the plight of the church and couldn’t stand by and see something that has always been such a pivotal part of the Jewellery Quarter fall into disrepair. St Paul’s Church was built just a few years after The Betts Group was formed in 1760 and generations of Betts supported the church in the day and were laid to rest in the grounds. It is a space where we as jewellers would meet with the influencers of the day to socialise and swap ideas and resources. We want to ensure that this space continues to be used and enjoyed by the wider community for years to come and urge others to also support this cause.”
Vicar of St. Paul’s Church, David Tomlinson said: “This is a phenomenal step in our fundraising campaign. The roof is at the end of its life and we need to raise £660,000 to replace it before another winter sets in. Ultimately, the integrity of the building and its contents are at risk and we are running out of time.”
“It’s fantastic that businesses in the area and further afield are getting behind this campaign and we wholeheartedly thank The Betts Group and other significant donors, The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust and Our Training Department, together with all the businesses that have donated £1,000 for their support.”
Businesses, individuals and charitable trusts can get behind the church by donating £1,000 or more if able or to consider holding fundraising events, coffee mornings and dress down days.
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, with the upper part of the tower and spire 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 make a donation and to find out more, visit www.stpaulsjq.church/raise-the-roof or follow the progress of the appeal on social media via #RaisetheRoofStPauls.
