OUR PRAYER 

This is the prayer that was said by Rev WM. Henry Cartwright, Vicar of Dudley, when the foundation stone for St John's Church was laid on Saturday 20th October 1838.

The original prayer sheet was found in the Dudley Archive by our researcher Michelle. It is too delicate to touch but she was allowed to photograph it.

The words are as apt for we of the Preservation Group trying to save the church as they were for the founding fathers who built it.

 We use this is as our committee prayer, saying these words at the start of each of our meetings.

PRAYER 

BY THE 

REV. WM. HENRY CARTWRIGHT, 

VICAR OF DUDLEY, 

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1838, 

ON THE OCCASION OF 

LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE 

OF A NEW CHURCH, 

SITUATED AT FREEBODIES,  

DUDLEY.

          ALMIGHTY GOD,

Father of all mercies, we do this day most heartily and devoutly adore and magnify thy glorious name, for having put into our hearts the will to undertake the work which we have now begun to thy honour and glory. 

And we most humbly beseech thee to continue thy grace and favour to us, and to give us strength to persevere unto the end.  Prosper thou the work of our hand upon us, merciful God. 

O prosper thou our handy-work, and grant that this church may indeed be the gate to thy eternal kingdom to all who shall come to worship within its walls. 

Be thou, O Lord God, ever with them.  Let thy fatherly hand ever be over them.  May the mediation of thy blessed Son for their souls be effectual in thy sight; and may thy Holy Spirit guide them through all the changes and chances of this mortal life, and lead them safely to thy kingdom in heaven. 

Grant this, O merciful Father, for the sake of thy dear Son, our Lord and only Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

Amen