Built in 1867 the building is one of Frederick Preedy's more unusual and elaborately detailed designs and the plan and decoration of the chancel are particularly noteworthy.
Redditch, Worcestershire
When Frederick Lacon was appointed rector of Headless Cross in 1850, the building was a small 'Chapel of Ease' originally constructed in 1843 by Harvey Eginton, seating about 150 people. This building had pews on the ground floor for upper class parishioners and, at the back of the chapel, there was a balcony which was reached by climbing an outside staircase where the working class people had to stand for services.
By the 1860s, the parish numbered about 2,000 and the chapel was far too small. Revd Lacon set about raising the £2,000 plus that was required to build a new larger church. This he did by writing 'begging' letters to all and sundry; Bishops, MPs etc. He even wrote to the then Archbishop of Canterbury however, we do not think that was fruitful. The largest contribution of £200 came from the Windsor family who occupied Hewell Grange.
The present church was built in 1867. Frederick Preedy of London was the architect who designed many of the churches in the area. The porch entrance and part of the south wall are from the original chapel as is the pulpit and the font. Part of the original altar rail can still be seen at the front of the chancel and the wooden floor blocks on the south half of the church indicate the original area (as distinct from the rest of the floor which is boards). Of special interest is the 'Capronier' window which was designed and manufactured by the famous stained glass expert in Belgium. Also, the Rose Window in the west wall is significant as it depicts the twelve Apostles.
Formerly named St Luke's, the church was renamed as The Bridge after amalgamation as a Local Ecumenical Partnership with Headless Cross Methodist Church in 2009.
Feckenham, Worcestershire
It is believed that the present building has its origins in 12th century but there was probably an earlier Anglo Saxon or even Celtic church, for the boundary of the original churchyard forms an almost perfect circle, a feature shared with many churches of known Celtic origin.
Redditch, Worcestershire
St Stephen's church stands in the centre of this fine Victorian town, in a green space and spiritual presence in the middle of our busy lives.
Studley, Warwickshire
Built of brick, it has the worship area on the upper floor, reached by a flight of six external stone steps, under a portico with a roof supported on stone pillars.
