  
St. Mary’s parish church leaflet 
The Elkington family of Birmingham, at their own expense,
employed ST MARY’S CHURCH SELLY OAK Besides building the St. Mary’s Parish in Burry Port, South Wales, George Richards Elkington also assisted in building the St Mary’s Church of Selly Oak which is filed under 1st St Mary Church in Birmingham Elkington.
Selly Oak used to be in the Parish of Northfield and with the large increase in population of Victorian times it was decided that a new church called St Mary Selly Oak should be established.
The land was donated by Mr. Joseph Frederick Ledsham, than Lord of the Manor. The foundation stone was laid on 12 July 1860. The inscription reads “Through whose munificence the church was built”, the architect was Mr. Edward Holmes. It was consecrated on 12 September 1861.
George Richards Elkington and his family lived at Woodbrooke on Bristol Road. The large East window “The Ascension” commemorates Mary Auster Elkington 1859 (George Richards Elkington´s first wife). The window depicting “Jesus and Mary” (children’s corner) commemorates (George Richards Elkington’s 2ndwife Margaret Morgan *1972). Window depicting “Jesus and Mary Magdalene in the south is in honour of Hyla Elkington 1901. The 3rd Plaque in the sanctuary is dedicated to the memory of George Richards Elkington and his wife Mary Auster Balleny which was placed by his 5 sons Frederick, James Balleny, Alfred John, Howard, Hyla and daughter Emma. A brief history of St. Mary’s Parish Church, Burry Port
A Local Historian states; The tower and spire had a stone stairway leading to the belfry, where there are five bells representing, so it is claimed, the five Elkington brothers. Elkington and his sons became the sole owners of the Copperworks until 1884, when it was it was registered as Elkington and Company Limited and soley owned by George Richard Elkington`s family. Mrs. Howard Elkington, of ´Plasnewydd` laid the foundation stone on July 6th 1875. 1881, April 22nd, Vestry Meeting included three Elkingtons, brothers James and Howard and nephew Gerard. 1903 July 12th. Gerard Elkington, who lived at `Dan y Graig`, Pembrey, and the last of the Elkingtons associated with St. Mary’s, left the area to live in London. The move to make Elkington & Company Head Office in London was due to the fact that it had become very difficult for the many large ships involved with the Elkington business to dock at Burrry Port. The St. Mary´s Parish Church is planning to contact various bodies for help not only to provide the needed grant but also try to have it declared as an ancient monument building. At the moment The Saint Mary´s Parish Church at Burry Port is recorded on the 2nd grade Buildings´ List. St.
Mary´s Parish Church
Burry Port, with all the historical relics of the grand era of
the George
   
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