Martha Adelaide Davis For Emmanuel Church
Charity 506194
Overview
Summary
Martha Adelaide Davis For Emmanuel Church appears to be a narrowly purposed custodial charity: its role is to preserve a specific part of Emmanuel Wylde Green’s physical heritage rather than to operate broad religious programmes. Its funding is directed first to the Lady Chapel, with a secondary capacity to support the wider church fabric when chapel needs are met. This suggests a long-term, place-based contribution to the church’s continuity and condition.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Sutton Wylde Green
Confidence: high
Direct evidence identifies the charity's sole purpose as funding repair and upkeep of the Lady Chapel and, where appropriate, the fabric of Emmanuel Church, Wylde Green. Birmingham City Council lists Emmanuel Parish Church of Wylde Green as a polling station in Sutton Wylde Green Ward.
- Charity Commission for England and Wales, charity number 506194, full register entry
The charity's objects require its income to be applied towards repair and upkeep of the Lady Chapel at Emmanuel Church, Wylde Green, and otherwise towards repair and upkeep of the church fabric. Its stated area of benefit is the Ecclesiastical Parish of Wylde Green, Emmanuel. - Birmingham City Council, Notice of Poll and list of polling stations for Sutton Wylde Green Ward
The council lists Emmanuel Parish Church of Wylde Green as a polling station in Sutton Wylde Green Ward.
Remaining uncertainties
- The evidence establishes a narrowly place-based charitable purpose centred on Emmanuel Church, rather than delivery of services across the whole ecclesiastical parish. The precise boundary of that parish, and whether it crosses any additional current Birmingham wards, was not needed to establish the charity's principal operational location.
- The Charity Commission records no expenditure for the financial year ending 31 December 2024. This does not disprove current activity, but it means the available record does not confirm whether repair funding was distributed or works were undertaken during that year.
- The charity's registered correspondence address is not treated as an operational site. The Charity Commission also states that the charity does not own or lease land or property.
- No material delivery partnerships or other sites were evidenced. Emmanuel Church is the recipient/location specified in the charity's objects, rather than an evidenced formal partner of the charity.
Additional evidence needed
- Recent trustee minutes, grant records, invoices or repair-project documentation showing whether and when the charity has funded work at the Lady Chapel or wider church fabric.
- A current official parish-boundary map if it is necessary to determine whether the charity's stated area of benefit extends into further Birmingham wards.
- Documentation of any formal arrangements with the Parochial Church Council of Emmanuel, Wylde Green, or contractors that materially extend activity beyond the church site.
Areas of work
- Religious Activities
Who they help
- Other Defined Groups
How they help
- Provides Other Finance
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
A heritage-focused support role
The charity appears to function primarily as a dedicated maintenance fund for church infrastructure, rather than as a provider of direct religious services or community activities.
Why it matters
This distinguishes the organisation from the church’s operational life. Its value may lie in protecting a setting that enables worship and community use over time, including work that can be overlooked because it is not public-facing.
Show evidence
“Income is to be applied towards the repair and upkeep of the Lady Chapel at Emmanuel Wylde Green.”
Source:Charity Commission“Activities are recorded as Religious Activities.”
Source:Charity Commission
The Lady Chapel is treated as a distinct asset
The specific designation of the Lady Chapel may indicate that it has a recognised importance within the church, whether historical, devotional or practical, sufficient to justify ring-fenced charitable attention.
Why it matters
This points to a potentially distinctive element of local religious heritage. Understanding why the chapel has separate support could reveal its significance to the congregation or wider area.
Show evidence
“The charity object names that part of the parish church known as the Lady Chapel.”
Source:Charity Commission
A flexible but bounded financial model
The charity appears to have a clear hierarchy of spending: chapel upkeep comes first, while surplus annual income may support the fabric of the wider church.
Why it matters
This suggests the organisation can respond to wider building needs without losing its core purpose. It may therefore act as a modest stabilising resource for the church estate during periods of lower chapel expenditure.
Show evidence
“Income not required for the Lady Chapel in any year may be applied towards the repair and upkeep of the fabric of the parish church.”
Source:Charity Commission“How the charity helps is recorded as Provides Other Finance.”
Source:Charity Commission
- The charity’s income, assets, grant-making process and recent expenditure are unknown.
- There is no evidence about the Lady Chapel’s history, condition or importance to local communities.
- The relationship between the charity, Emmanuel Church and any church governing body is not described.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent annual reports and accounts showing income sources, reserves and repair expenditure.
- Information from Emmanuel Church on the Lady Chapel’s use, heritage significance and current maintenance needs.
- Details of trustees, decision-making arrangements and any current building or conservation plans.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Religious Activities
Charity objects
INCOME TO BE APPLIED IN OR TOWARDS THE REPAIR AND UPKEEP OF THAT PART OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF EMMANUEL WYLDE GREEN KNOWN AS THE LADY CHAPEL AND IF AND SO FAR AS THE SAID INCOME IN ANY YEAR IS NOT REQUIRED FOR APPLICATION AS AFORESAID IT MAY BE APPLIED IN OR TOWARDS THE REPAIR AND UPKEEP OF THE FABRIC OF THE SAID PARISH CHURCH.