St Augustine's Church, Edgbaston
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The Church of St Augustine of Hippo in Lyttelton Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, England stands in the centre of a conservation area. It is one of the very few Anglican churches dedicated to St. Augustine of Hippo. It is Grade II* listed.
By 1851, houses had been built spasmodically along the Hagley Road as far as Rotton Park Road. Portland & York Roads were cut during this decade. As Edgbaston's population grew, the Church of England responded by building new churches and St George's was consecrated in 1838 and St James's in 1852.
In 1864, Joseph Gillott, the wealthy pen manufacturer, who was then resident in Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, discussed with J. A. Chatwin the location for a new church.
Following an open competition, the design by J. A. Chatwin was chosen. Chatwin had suggested "forming an island site a short distance from the Hagley Road which should be approached by a straight road from that thoroughfare". This site was offered to the ecclesiastical authorities for a new church as existing church accommodation was inadequate for the population of 18,000. A Subscription Account raised £9,000 for the building of a church dedicated to St Augustine of Hippo.
The body of the church, its chancel, nave and aisles were consecrated in 1868 by the Bishop of Worcester.
The tower and spire, 185 feet high and the tallest in Birmingham, were added in 1876 at a cost of £4,000. It has a striking painted chancel ceiling and some very good stained glass by Hardman & Co. There is a wealth of stone carving inside, much of it by John Roddis, as well as work by the Bromsgrove Guild. A spacious narthex, designed by P. B. Chatwin (Chatwin's son), was added in 1968 to mark the church's centenary year. The reredos with its representation of the Last Supper is based upon Leonardo da Vinci's design.
The church has a notable choral tradition, being the first Anglican church in Birmingham to have a surpliced choir, and past Masters of Music have included Alfred Robert Gaul and Sir William Henry Harris. The composer Herbert Howells wrote his 'St Augustine's Service' for the choir in 1967.
[edit] Sources
- Images of England - details from listed building text
- Pevsner Architectural Guides - Birmingham, Andy Foster, 2005, ISBN 0-300-10731-5
- St. Augustine's Conservation Area Advisory Leaflet - 1988
