The Ministry of the Reverend C. E. Mercer
Mr. Mercer was approached by Presbytery on his retirement from Bradford, where he had a successful ministry from 1947 — 1955, with a view to his coming to Solihull. This he agreed to do, and in February 1956 Mr. Mercer was appointed to have pastoral charge for 3 years, and involved himself with the task of the building of the church. As there was no Manse available at that time, the Council supplied a house until a manse was acquired. When the subject of a possible manse was considered and various sites inspected, the final choice was 3 Broad Oaks Road. This was sold in 1962 because of the cost of repairs and 14 Manor Road was purchased.
Until this time, the Solihull Presbyterians had been assisted by Assessor Elders from Moseley and Coventry, and later Nechells, but there being now enough members, it was possible to appoint three elders; Mrs. Alexander, Mr. Hope Mitchell and Mr. McArthur were duly inducted on Sunday 24th March 1957. In January 1958 4 more names were added to the list of elders. Mr. Hay, already ordained, was inducted and Mrs. Morley, Mr. James Shaw and Mr. John Stevenson were ordained and inducted to the eldership.
Having acquired a complement of elders, a Session was formed which met either at Mrs. Alexander’s, the Manse or at the Manor House. A Committee of Management was also formed; this met usually at 6 Hampton Lane, the home of Mrs. Morley. From 1954 the Women’s Guild also met every Tuesday at Hampton Lane, when there was an average attendance of thirty.
In October 1958, the Preaching Station Status of Solihull was raised to a Fully Sanctioned Charge and Mr. Cedric Mercer became the first Minister of the Congregation. His induction took place in the Methodist Church on 24th January 1959.
When Solihull became a Fully Sanctioned Charge the support of the Assessor Elders from Moseley and Coventry ceased to be necessary as the new status meant that we had reached an ‘age of responsibility’, and with much gratitude we bade them farewell.
Every year from 1951 a garden party was held at the home of one of the congregation. This developed into an Annual Sale of Work, now the traditional Autumn Fair which contributes handsomely to church funds.
Meantime plans were being drawn up for the building of the Church. Mr. Stevenson, an architect with Birmingham Planning Department, offered his services to superintend the proposed building. The congregation, imbued with supreme faith and renewed courage after so many years of frustration, was facing the daunting task to raise money to pay for it. A Building Fund Committee was formed under the chairmanship of Mr. Eric Morley and for the next 3 years Whist Drives, Coffee Mornings, Sales of Work, Treasure Hunts and Car Rallies were organised and such was the enthusiasm and team spirit of the few members in the congregation — at that time 56 all told — they achieved the incredible total of £6000 in just over three years.
It was at about this time that Mr. Jim Shaw was appointed the first treasurer of the church and now, 27 years later, he still continues the task which he has done so well. Many will testify to his quiet confidence which is an inspiration to all.
On 7th March 1959 the Foundation Stone was laid by the Session Clerk, Mrs. H. B. Alexander, the service being conducted by the Right Reverend G. T. Bellhouse, M. A., B. D. Three stormy years later, during which it seemed impossible for the architect and the builder to agree, the church was finally completed and consecrated on Saturday 22nd April 1961, by the Moderator of General Assembly, the Right Reverend Professor J. Eric Fenn, B. Sc., and the Church at last had a home of its own.
In July 1962 Mr. Cedric Mercer, having served for six momentous years in the birth pangs of a new church, retired to Newent where he continued unofficially to serve the church until his death on 19th March 1975.
In 1963, the congregation called the Reverend John Gibson Forsyth - at that time Minister in Harlow New Town. There followed 18 years under Mr. Forsyth’s wise and kindly guidance, during which time the congregation increased to 216. A pattern of worship was established, particularly in the conduct of the Communion Service. The Sunday School flourished to such an extent that serious consideration was given to extending the church building, as there were over 100 children to be accommodated. Unfortunately, Solihull is a floating population and with the removal of many families, the need for extension subsided.