St Martin's
The parish of St.Martin’s was formed in the 1930’s to serve the Rough Hill Council Estate. As a result of the Marson Bequest they were given the present church building that was consecrated in 1939. The parish population according to the Lichfield Diocesan Directory is given as 5,364.
From the beginning St.Martin’s had an Anglo-catholic tradition. After the decision in 1992 to ordain women priests the P.C.C. passed resolutions A & B and receive pastoral care from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.
The present incumbent, Fr.John Oakes, was instituted in November 1983.
St Stephen's
The parish of St.Stephen’s started with an Iron Mission Church in 1872 to serve the “Artisans”. Employment was provided by the Springfield Brewery (now closed), the Great Western Railway and London North Western Railway. The present church was consecrated in 1908. The parish population according to the Lichfield Diocesan Directory is given as 4,305.
A church school was established and, now a Controlled school, it is still served by the clergy of St.Stephen’s.
After the resignation of the last Vicar of St.Stephen’s in 1992 the living was suspended. In March 1993 Fr.John Oakes was licensed as Priest-in-charge whilst remaining Vicar of St.Martin’s.
Since the early 1930’s St.Stephen’s has had a marked Catholic tradition.
St.Stephen’s P.C.C. has passed resolutions A & B and receive pastoral care from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.
Parish Boundaries
The two parishes are not adjoined, being two miles apart. They are clearly two separate communities. Many of the residents of St.Martin’s parish look to Bilston rather than Wolverhampton as their local centre.
The connection between the two churches is based on their modern catholic tradition and their relationship to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.
Both churches attract congregation from beyond their parish boundaries, especially since 1992, with people travelling from all over Wolverhampton and surrounding areas. There are a few that were formerly members of St.Georges’s and Christ Church both of which are now closed.
The congregations at both churches are racially mixed with black and white members including mixed race families. In addition St.Stephen’s has welcomed asylurm seekers from Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Armenia.
Although people cross parish boundaries to attend the churches many are former parishioners who have moved out of the parish to buy homes.
Clearly the two churches are serving a need beyond their parish boundaries.
