This half term Year 3 have been learning all about Christianity and the Trinity in their Religious Education lessons. On Friday Year 3 visited St. Martin in the Bullring church. This church is one of the most ancient and contemporary buildings in Birmingham. Most of this Grade II listed church is from the nineteenth century. It was built in 1873 and is an example of gothic Victorian architecture, designed by Alfred Chatwin, from Birmingham, who also worked on the Houses of Parliament. But St Martin’s is much older than that. There has been a church on this site since 1290 and there may well have been a simple place of worship here even in Saxon times.

Year 3 were given a tour by Christina, the families’ minister. After welcoming us inside, she told us more about St. Martin He was a soldier who was born in Hungary in the year 316. He never wanted to join the army but did not have a choice. One bitterly cold winter’s night he was riding through the Amiens in France. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a cold beggar huddled against a wall. Martin was so moved by the sight that he cut his cloak with his sword and gave one half to the beggar. That night he had a dream in which Christ appeared to him as the beggar and thanked Martin for clothing him. In response, the young soldier got baptised. St Martin is remembered today for his service to the poor.

Then, she explained about the different parts of the church and what they were used for. Year 3 were able to share their new learning with Christina, especially about baptism. The church has many stained glass windows, all of which have a special meaning. Year 3 were particularly impressive in their recognition of the signs of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Year 3 found out that one of the windows survived the bombings of the Blitz in Birmingham! This was due to the priest at the time having a vision and insisting that the window be taken down, piece by piece, and stored safely until after the war.

A huge thank you to Christina our knowledgeable minister, Mrs Sheckler and Ms Muhammad for joining us and also Year 3 who were first class ambassadors for St. Clement’s Academy.