Fight on to save church glass

Relatives have launched a campaign to protect stained glass windows at a Dudley church donated in memory of their loved ones.

People are concerned the windows will be destroyed if Woodsetton Methodist Church is demolished after it closed earlier this week. The Express & Star reported yesterday how concerns were growing as no-one yet knows the fate of the building. Over the years worshippers have donated money for the windows to be installed at the building in Parkes Hall Road.

Grace Dodd, aged 60, from School Road has a window in memory of her parents Clifford and Muriel Roberts located in the vestry.

There is also a plaque with the inscription "in loving memory" from Grace and brother Alan.

Mrs Dodd now fears the tribute could be lost forever.

She said: "It would be heartbreaking if anything happened to the window.

"My grandparents were caretakers at the church and my mother lived on the site for many years so my family has a long standing connection with the church.

"At the moment no-one knows what's going to happen with the church.

"However, I would hate to think these memorials donated by relatives will disappear.

"We have a right to decide what should happen to them and I for one would like to have the window in my home rather than see it destroyed."

Last Sunday was the church's final service after 125 years and worshippers bid an emotional farewell.

Leaders announced the church would be closing at the end of the year.

This was in the same week as the congregation were due to mark the building's milestone anniversary.

Wyn Jones, organist, said it would be extremely difficult to come to terms with the closure.

"It is very sad to say goodbye to the place.

"I have been going there for 38 years now," she said.

The congregation was told closure was necessary due to the cost of repairs which would amount to £100,000.

The superintendent of the Dudley Methodist circuit, Rev Stephen Jackson, previously told the Express & Star alternative uses for the current site will be explored in due course.

A service of thanksgiving will be arranged later in the year to give thanks for its life and mission.