The fight to save St Paul’s Church, in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, is well and truly on.
Campaigners have set a 250 day deadline to raise the £660,000 needed for urgent roof repairs.
Their Raise the Roof appeal is rapidly gaining momentum, with posters now appearing around the city, Mayor Andy Street making a video appeal and fundraisers already being staged.
One of the campaigners Hamraj Kang said: “My fear is we will have a ruin like Kenilworth Castle in the heart of our city.” If you can help, go to: Roof Raise the Roof appeal for St Paul's Church Here’s eight amazing things you didn't know about St Paul's Church in the Jewellery Quarter why we must preserve the historic Birmingham landmark:
1. Birmingham's last remaining Georgian Square
St Paul's church is in the centre of Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square. It was completed in 1779 and in the mid 19th century was the place to be seen. Back then, St Paul’s Square was swamped by workshops and factories, now it is fringed by elegant bars and restaurants.
2. Historic box pews
St Paul's church in the Jewellery Quarter is one of the few churches that still have their box pews – enclosed pews that afforded families privacy and the chance to worship together. Some even included windows and fireplaces.
3. The place of worship for Birmingham pioneers
It was the church of manufacturers, merchants and industrial pioneers. Members of the congregation included Matthew Boulton and James Watt and both had their own box pews. Here's a picture of the Golden Boys statue dedicated to the pioneers in Centenary Square
4. The best acoustics
It boasts one of the best acoustics in the Midlands and that has made it a hub for performing arts. Even the Birmingham Jazz Festival has taken place on the grounds.