St.Leonard’s Church in Bilston, Wolverhampton

St.Leonard’s Church, Bilston, Wolverhampton, WV14 6AW Blending old and new, historic and modern, St Leonard's is an exciting church

Nowhere is this blend better evidenced than in the wide spectrum of music which is heard there. Christian and secular, ancient and modern, with a pipe organ dating back to 1826, a four-part harmony choir, and a modern music group, appealing to so many people. Evensong Service follows a time-honoured 17th Century liturgy, while our Family Communion Service is modern and bright, with a welcome for all - and tea and coffee afterwards! They host many musical concerts, with guest professional musicians and they are very active in our community.

Their "Open Door Policy" (10am-1pm) on weekdays is very popular with the whole local community: and people visiting the church at these times are welcomed by the team in their Community Cafe "The Melting Pot".

St.Leonard's Church in Bilston is not only a worship centre but also a church from which community work for all the people is done. This work is partly funded by the Council to create new types of employment and to regenerate Bilston now that it has lost much of its former industrial life. The church also offers a counselling programme; a Job Club for young people; a drop-in centre where food is served daily; and now a centre to buy good, nearly-new clothing *** see note below. The elderly folk who live in the area are telephoned on a regular basis to check that all is well: this project was started at St.Leonard’s and has now been adopted throughout the rest of Wolverhampton. It is a mission-minded church with a strong team ably led by Revd. Chris Thorpe.

In the early days of our link with Bilston, eight members of St Chads Church, Shrewsbury went to St.Leonard’s Regeneration Service in September 2005 (like our Harvest Festival) where we were welcomed and joined in the service. After the service we were escorted from the church to the Parish Hall by a drummer to enjoy a supper with choice of West Indian, Indian and English food, all beautifully prepare and served.

Our link with St.Leonard's is proving to be an interesting insight into life in a multi-cultural society, all working together for their area. We look forward to sharing any opportunities that arise for us to meet up from time to time whether at Bilston or here in Shrewsbury.

*** Donations of good, clean, nearly-new clothing or other items of similar value are taken over to Bilston by members of St.Chad’s congregation from time to time. These should be left at St Chad’s Church Office for collection.

Contact: Chris Thorpe, vicar: Tel 01902 491560