Century of Celebrating Christ

The Diocese of Birmingham was founded in 1905, after a long campaign by its citizens to separate the rapidly growing industrial city from its parent diocese of Worcester. After a brief introduction to the diocese as it is today, the author examines the development of Christianity in the area from early medieval times, through the troubled period of the Reformation, to the confident flowering of muscular evangelicalism and Anglo-Catholicism in the 19th century. The author's vivid narrative then charts the complex story of the founding of the diocese, which was thanks to an unexpected legacy, some equally unexpected help from Joe Chamberlain, and the inspiration of Charles Gore, one of the greatest Anglicans of his generation. The book contains fascinating biographies of all the bishops, many of whom have served the Church on the national stage, and also traces the development of St Philip's from parish church to Birmingham's cathedral.
Complemented by superb illustrations, the book samples the rich fare of the Christian life of parishes and people in the diocese over time, detailing the building of dozens of new churches to serve the rapidly expanding population of the diocese before and after the Second World War and the development of children's and youth work programmes (including the 'ton-up' vicar). Housing and community social action projects, Birmingham's determination to become an inclusive multi-ethnic Church, and charismatic evangelism, which has spread the Gospel in the city, are all covered. This remarkable centenary book reclaims the history of Christian work in the diocese over the past century for today's Anglicans to build on with confidence.