Dudley church group urges worshippers to return as numbers reach new low but online views rocket
An historic church preservation group has urged worshippers to return to in-person services as numbers dwindle to "disappointing" levels.
Church of St John The Evangelist, in Kates Hill, Dudley, began running digital livestreams on Facebook during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Initially used as a way to continue services in the face of restrictions brought on by the pandemic, some members of the group appear to have found it hard to break the habit, with in-person numbers having steadily dropped since.
At a pet blessings service held on Sunday, October 7, which sees attendees bring their four-legged friends along in support of World Animal Day, just four people turned out in-person whilst around 130 watched online.
The former church, which is Grade II listed, was closed to the public for worship in November 2002 after concerns were raised over the safety of the building.
Following a nine-year campaign, the building was passed on to the St John's Church Preservation Group in 2016 as a heritage, visitor and community centre.
