On This Day, 21 July 1916

Birmingham Mail

Friday 21 July 1916

A BIRMINGHAM WAR SHRINE.

About 100 men, residents of Blythe Street, Ladywood – a comparatively short street – have joined his Majesty’s forces; and eight have made the supreme sacrifice. The Rev. A. P. Roberts, vicar of St. Margaret’s, in which parish the street is situated, recently interested himself in the provision of a war shrine (the first in Birmingham).
This has been purchased by relatives of the men and placed upon the side of a house in the street. It takes the form of a three-panel picture, and is surmounted by the flags of the Allies. The figure of Christ appears on the pictures, and on one, which is entitled “Lean Hard,” is portrayed a wounded soldier; and on another is the figure of a soldier, who has been killed, lying at the foot of the Cross.
The names of all the men who have joined the forces are inscribed upon the shrine, and to assist in devotional exercises the words of two prayers, one for the living and the other for the departed, are displayed. Flower vases have been placed on either side of the shrine. In the presence of a large assembly it was last night dedicated by the vicar, who walked from the church in a procession, which was headed by a crucifer and acolytes and wardens.

For more on street shrines see this article, by Dr Emma Login