Now situated on the corner of Reddings Lane and York Road in
Hall Green, the Sparkhill United Church shares worship with their
Methodist brothers and sisters. The two congregations are responding
to a number of issues that concern them and have taken the decision
to work ecumenically in what is a multi-faith part of the city.
The Sparkhill Congregational Church
has been in existence since 1909,
initially on one side of the Stratford
Road and then the other, when in
1933 the 'new' building was consecrated. Throughout her life
she stood tall in her witness and
service in the local community. One
reason for such a move was an increasing church attendance,
however, by the early 1970's
attendance was on the decline.
In contrast, in the late 1950's and
60's many Moravians
arrived in Britain from the Caribbean
and, where possible joined existing
Moravian congregations. However, there were no such opportunities
in the Birmingham area. Soon Rev
Kirby Spencer and others began the
work of gathering the names of families and on the 19th November 1961
their first service was held, interestingly
enough in another Methodist Church,
but this time in Sparkhill. This
would lead to a monthly Holy
Communion Service conducted by Br
Spencer who would travel up from
London.
In September 1963 the congregation
moved to the no longer required Methodist manse in Anderton Park Road,
this being there first permanent home.
In 1975 the Sparkhill United Reformed
Church, as she was then called, entered into a special relationship
with the Birmingham Moravian Church, a relationship that has remained
strong and seamless ever since.
In 2007 the now Sparkhill United
Church moved again, this time to initially share a building with our
Methodist friends, and latterly worship.
Today, you will find a large, vibrant
worshipping community, with the traditions of all the three denominations
complementing each other. We have explored what makes us the people
of God that we are and have discovered that there is very little difference.
We are looking forward to a joint future together, in whatever way
God calls us, strong and united in his mission and service.