By Roland Burrows, a trustee of the Christian Heritage Centre.
The Christian Heritage Centre was opened in 2011 with the purpose of making known the amazing story of our British Christian Heritage. It is housed in the historic, Providence Chapel, (Bell End, Rowley Regis B64 9LU), a typical Victorian Black Country Chapel, with a long and illustrious history of its own.
It has been set up to demonstrate the massive impact that Christianity has had on the life of our country. Through a series of almost 50 illustrated and written panels, along with a large collection of fascinating artefacts and objects, the story of Christianity in Britain is told.
The Exhibition shows how Christianity is the safeguard of liberty and free conscience and how its message of salvation through Jesus Christ can provide every member of society with the power and inspiration to live a virtuous and useful life.
Alongside the main exhibition we have a number of items, photo collections and literature relating to the local area, amongst which is a large 3D model made to scale, based on an 1880 map, showing the industry and landscape of the area in and around Rowley at that time.
The main yearly programme includes two main lectures on church history, given in the Spring and Autumn, together with other occasional lectures and large Second-hand book sales held twice a year. The Summer Cream Tea in August is popular as is the Week of Openings and Special Local exhibition each September.
The Centre welcomes schools or other groups or societies by appointment, and is open to the general public on selected dates (see website). Activities and ‘worksheets’ are available for children. Lectures can be arranged for church or other groups visiting the centre. All visitors can be assured of a warm welcome.
Further information can be found on the website www.christianheritagecentre.org.uk
