In my capacity as a contact for Cradley Heath Baptist Church, I have been asked to look at an enquiry from a descendent of Samuel HALLAM. He was a deacon at the Church in 1835, but not amongst the original founding members in 1833. But I don't know any more to answer the enquiry. The implication of him being a deacon is that he joined CHBC from another BAptist Church, probably during 1834. My enquirer thinks that he was at a Baptist Church in Stourbridge a few years later. Any leads gratefully received. Aside - Cradley Heath Baptist Church was the first Church in Cradley Heath. (Some photos on Wikipedia.) Through the historical importance, English Heritage has offered a grant for repairs, but would like in return some history exhibition. I may be the main person doing research. We have names of people, but would appreciate more detailed information. For example, John FELLOWS, a colliery manager, was a leading member of CHBC in the late nineteenth century. In due course, I shall have to research the colliery, so I would be grateful for any leads on that. We do have contacts for information - suggestions would save me re-inventing the wheel. Thanks Robert Higginson

My contact has given me more information. Samuel married to Ann in 1822 at St Editha's, Tamworth. They had a son born in 1833, and "registered" 4 children (they had 11) at New Street Baptist Church, Dudley, in 1837. I'm not sure if my contact has much more, but certainly gaps after the marriage at Tamworth. Robert Higginson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Higginson" <subscribe.higgy@tiscali.co.uk> To: <staffordshire@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, July 13, 2012 5:49 PM Subject: [STAFFORDSHIRE] Samuel HALLAM of Cradley Heath > In my capacity as a contact for Cradley Heath Baptist Church, I have been > asked to look at an enquiry from a descendent of Samuel HALLAM. He was a > deacon at the Church in 1835, but not amongst the original founding > members > in 1833. But I don't know any more to answer the enquiry. The > implication > of him being a deacon is that he joined CHBC from another BAptist Church, > probably during 1834. My enquirer thinks that he was at a Baptist Church > in > Stourbridge a few years later. > > Any leads gratefully received.

Robert do you have a copy of the book, 'A History of Four Ways Baptist Church 1833 - 1933?' Samuel Hallam is mentioned in there, a list of Deacons circa 1835 were Joseph Billingham, Benjamin Fellows, Samuel Hallam and William Wood. Samuel was mentioned again in 1840, where he procured some Candlesticks to light the Church Anniversary Sermon. Later in 1841 Samuel apparently resigned from the post of Treasurer. I have an interest in CH Baptist Church, as some of my Stringer Ancestors worshipped there. Eli Stringer was a Deacon at Cradley Baptist Church together with Charles Willetts circa 1850. After some disagreement with the new Pastor, they both left, presumably to Cradley Heath where they both lived. Re your 2nd email Ann Hallam is also mentioned in the Church Book. Linda.