Philip remembers some of the local characters who used to be part of Top Church.
Audio
Philip reflects on the different styles of the vicars he has known – Rev. Efemey, Rev. Smart, and Rev. Goss.
Audio
Philip talks about the process of preparing for Communion, and how it was passed down to him by his predecessor, Miss Pat Keir.
Audio
Related Imagery
Click any image below to view in larger size.
- Philip carries the St Thomas and St Luke banner, leading the pilgrimage to Glastonbury.
- Philip with Rev. Eric Smart and his fellow servers.
- A procession through town.
- A group ministry service that processed from St Edmunds (Bottom Church) to Top Church, led by the Bishop, c. 1980.
- A photo of Top Church from Philip’s time.
- The red set of alter cloths for Pentecost.
- The gold and white set for times of celebration, such as Christmas and Easter.
Thank you Philip for taking the time to share your memories.
The full oral history is stored for posterity at Dudley Archives.
Posted 14th November 2024
Part of the Oral History archive
Top Church Dudley (aka St Thomas and St Luke’s) is a thriving, inclusive Anglican Church. We are positioned at the top of the high street, at the highest geographical point for miles around and our heart is to serve the most vulnerable in our community and be a resource to other churches.
Our mission is for people in Dudley and beyond to experience ‘life in all its fullness’ as Jesus promised. Some churches have big bands for their worship, some have big stages for their preachers – at Top Church we hope for a bigger table, where all are welcomed in the name of Jesus.
Renewing Top Church for the People of Dudley
Top Church, St Thomas & St Luke’s, High Street, Dudley, DY1 1QD