ABOUT US
At Stourbridge, we are proud to be a Spiritualist Church of truly international standing and recognition. Over the course of the past Century, we have been honoured to be the regular home of some of the most gifted and celebrated mediums, speakers, healers and teachers of our time.
As Modern Spiritualism moves into the 21st Century, we continue to be excited by and dedicated to the excellent work of the spirit carried out within our Church and its neighbouring communities.
As an affiliated body of the Spiritualists' National Union (SNU), we uphold the teachings of the Seven Principles of Spiritualism, and welcome any and all to come along and embrace the warmth and inclusivity of our beautiful Church and its members.
LYNNE EDWARDS (OSNU)
President*
Our democratically elected Committee work tirelessly in the name of Stourbridge Church, the SNU & Spiritualism as a whole.
On this page you will find the names and roles of the current serving Committee Officers and Members.
KATH GARRAD (lssnu)
Secretary**
ROBERT DANGERFIELD
Treasurer
SUNDAY 22ND ~ Divine Service with Minister Judith Seaman
SUNDAY 29TH ~ TBC
MICHAEL THOMPSON (lssnu)
Vice President
ROBERTA HARRIS
Speakers' Secretary
JEAN JONES (lssnu)
Membership Secretary
GEOFF JONES (lssnu)
Vice President
NORMAN BOWEN
Committee Member
ANNMARIE MAYBURY
Church Almoner
REBECCA HARRIS
Private Sittings Secretary
DANA YARDLEY
Committee Member
* In addition to her role as President, Lynne Edwards also serves as Church Representative.
** In addition to her role as Secretary, Kath Garrad also serves as Church Representative.
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(Hover over each Principle for more information)
By the study of Nature - that is, by trying to understand the Laws of Cause and Effect which govern all that is happening around us - we recognise that there is a creative force in the Universe.
This force, or energy, not only created the whole Universe, but also life itself in its many forms and is continuing to create today. The effects of this eternal creation can be seen around us and this leads us to the evidence that 'God', the 'Creative Force', manifests directly - or indirectly - in all things.
We know this power as God and we are part of the life created by God, we acknowledge God as our Father.
THE
FATHERHOOD
OF
GOD
It is scientifically proven that matter (being part of the Creative Force or energy) cannot be destroyed; it merely changes its form. Spirit, as part of the Creative Force, is therefore indestructible.
On the death of the physical body, the spirit continues as an integral part of a world which interpenetrates our world, but in a different dimension. This world is referred to as the Spirit World. In spirit life we have a spirit body, which, until we progress far enough, is a replica of our Earthly body. We are the same individuals in every way, with the same personalities and characteristics and we change only by progression, or otherwise as a result of our own efforts.
Our personal responsibilities do not stop at death.
THE CONTINUOUS EXISTENCE OF THE HUMAN SOUL
This principle is the one which places responsibility for wrongful thoughts and deeds where they belong - with the individual.
It is the acceptance of responsibility for every aspect of our lives, and the use to which we place our lives depends entirely on ourselves. It is not possible for any other person, or outside influence, to interfere with our spiritual development, unless we are willing to allow this. No one can put right the wrongdoing except the offender.
As we are given freedom of choice or free will, so also are we given the ability to recognise what is right from what is wrong. We are totally, as well as personally, responsible.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
As with all other Principles, the natural laws apply, and this one echoes the Law of Cause and Effect ('as you sow, so shall you reap').
One cannot be cruel and vindictive towards others and expect love and popularity in return. It must be understood that the compensatory or attributive effects of this law operate now - on Earth - they do not wait until we begin to live in the Spirit World.
compensation & retribution hereafter for all the good and evil deeds done on earth
In every heart there exists the desire for progress, and to every Human Spirit there belongs the power to progress in wisdom and love.
All who desire to tread the path that leads to perfection are able to pursue it. The rate of progress is directly proportional to the desire for mental and spiritual understanding. If we do our best in our Earthly lives to follow our inward prompting or intuitions, we shall find progress very easy, on Earth as in Spirit. If not, every step in advancement will follow a struggle against imperfections, which we ourselves will have worked into our natures.
Within the Family of God, with all the advantages that our realisation of that state can give us, we are given the opportunity to be responsible for our own eternal progress.
ETERNAL PROGRESS OPEN
TO EVERY SOUL
All religions believe in life after death, but only Spiritualism shows that it is true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. Spiritualist Churches provide one of the venues where communication, through mediumship, is possible, and many loved relatives and friends take advantage of this opportunity to take an interest in our welfare.
There are also spirit people and teachers who are dedicated to the welfare and service of mankind. Some, or example Silver Birch, bring inspiration and teachings, whilst others within the Healing Ministry.
THE COMMUNION OF SPIRITS AND THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Because we all come from the same universal life source, we are, in effect, one large family - small offshoots from the whole.
This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood. A brotherhood is a community for mutual support and comfort. We are all members of the same divine family. We need to share our joys as well as our burdens; we need to understand the needs of other individuals in order to assist them as part of our service to each other.
As we learn to give, so must we also learn to receive, thereby achieving the necessary balance for our life. We must look not only to the material necessities of our fellow creatures, but also to their spiritual needs, and help those in need to become strong and worthy of their relationship in the Family of God.
THE
BROTHERHOOD
OF
MAN
Curious to discover more about Modern Spiritualism and its history?
Click on the links below to read and download a series of articles to enjoy at your leisure, and if you have any further questions or would like to get in touch, please visit our Contact Page.
PLEASE NOTE: The articles below are presented here for personal and educational use only, and are subject to copyright law. Please do not redistribute or otherwise use this content without first obtaining prior permission.
Discover more about some of the most important and influential figures in the history of Modern Spiritualism.
Purchase Eric Hatton's fascinating book on the history of our Church
(links to Amazon.co.uk - you can also purchase Eric's book at our Church)
For more information on the Spiritualists' National Union and Spiritualism as a whole, the Official SNU Website is an excellent source of information.
MINISTER
ERIC HATTON
Honorary President (in Spirit)
Referred to by many as simply 'Mr Spiritualism', Minister Eric Hatton was one of the most revered and beloved Presidents of our Church, as well as one of the most prolific and accomplished ministers in the SNU's proud history.
Passing into Spirit in November 2015 to join his beloved wife Heather - herself a highly popular and successful medium - we honour Eric with his position as Honorary President in Spirit.