Funding bid boost to revitalise Dudley's well known Top Church

A major project is underway to revitalise St. Thomas and St. Luke's in Dudley - known to as Top Church to locals.

The Diocese of Worcester, which oversees it, is looking to secure a seven figure sum from the Church Commissioner's funding to upgrade the place of worship at High Street, along with All Saints Church in Worcester.

Their phase one application has been passed but now they have to submit a more detailed bid.

They will finding out if it has been successful in the summer.

Part of the proposals will be to expand the congregation as well as rebuild part of the church.

The Bishop of Dudley Graham Usher said: "It’s good news for Dudley that the Church Commissioners are actively considering an application for a major grant to support Top Church.

"We have plans that this iconic church on Dudley’s skyline can be revitalised and renewed.

"If the congregation can grow in number, as we plan, then the Church of England will be able to better serve the needs of the town and especially live out the good news of Jesus amongst those who struggle with poverty, addictions and mental health.

"In time we hope that this will be infectious and help the life of all the churches in the area."

Sam Setchell, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Worcester, added: "We have been given the green light to proceed with the next stage, we haven't been granted any funding yet.

"It is good news. We hope Top Church will become a resource church, that it will be refurbished and redeveloped to help bring more life to the congregation.

"A resource church can mean different things.

"In Worcester it is quite a big evangelical church but in Dudley we are starting from quite a small church which we want to develop into something a bit different.

"It will be developed in line with the congregation and it is very much a partnership.

"It will be a significant investment spread across the two churches."

Top Church dates back to the 12th Century but it was rebuilt in in 1815 when the structures were declared unsafe.