'We're bursting at the seams' - Inside Dudley church which is no longer a closure risk
A Black Country church which was at risk of closure two years ago is now bursting at the seams after witnessing a dramatic change in its fortunes.
The old People's Mission Hall based in Swan Street in Netherton has now launched an £110,000 extension project to create a bigger kitchen and more meeting space after being on the brink of shutting its doors two years ago after eight decades of ministry.
In its heyday in the 1930s the evangelical congregation saw more than 1,000 adult worshippers plus a 400 children in weekly attendance. However, after dwindling support in recent times the chapel is now thriving after the congregation was merged with Christ's Heart Church, a church plant, which briefly met in rented premises in Wordsley.
New leader the Rev Dr Keith Poole, who attended as a child, explains: "The mission hall has been here since 1938. At that point there were about 1,000 people and a 400-strong Sunday School here. It was left with an elderly congregation and by 2023 there were just eight trustees here. I used to attend with my parents Keith and Teresa.
"After many years living away from this area including abroad, the trustees found out that I was back and as they knew my mother, they asked if I could take it over. They said otherwise they may would have to shut the doors.
