St John the Baptist Church Kidderminster is marking the tenth anniversary of the installation of its magnificent stained-glass Stretton windows.

In 2015, three modern stained-glass windows were installed in the church in memory of the Stretton family, whose impact and legacy lives on in Kidderminster.

Lionel Stretton has an important place in medical history having pioneered the use of Tincture of Iodine for sterilising the skin in surgery. This had far-reaching benefits worldwide and undoubtedly saved many lives when compared with previous practices. Iodine is still used today and Lionel’s importance in medical history has been likened to that of Joseph Lister. Lionel, his father Samuel, and son John provided three generations of surgeons managing and delivering medical services in Kidderminster between 1856 and 1952.

In honour of the anniversary, there will be a special event at St John’s Church on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 7pm. Chris Stretton is the grandson of John and presents this talk on the lives of the three surgeons: Kidderminster’s Medical Dynasty. His uncle, Antony Stretton (Stretton’s Nurseries), bequeathed money to fund the stained-glass windows and establish a Charity to provide bursaries for local medical students.

Part one of the talk details the importance of Lionel’s work and the two books that have been published promoting this, one being Lionel’s memoirs and the other a record of the three surgeons’ work. It also includes details on the informative website, design and installation of the stained-glass windows and historical records from the hospital, found in the Worcestershire Archive at The Hive.

Part two tells the individual life stories of the three doctors, illustrated with period photographs and material collected by the family. Part three closes the talk with details of the Charity and media initiatives that promise to make the whole story much more widely known.

The evening will include Chris’ talk, a blessing and rededication of the windows, and refreshments.

Team Vicar, Laura Betson, said: “Visitors to St John’s always comment on the beauty of the Stretton windows, particularly when the sunlight shines through, transforming the inside of the church. We are honoured to have this memorial to three remarkable members of the Stretton family, and encourage Kidderminster residents to come and celebrate the windows and discover more about the life and legacy of these local doctors.”

All are welcome to attend the celebration event on Sunday 7th December at 7pm. It is free of charge (donations welcome). All those attending will also receive a special booklet with information about the windows and their significance, from the dedication service ten years ago.

For further information please contact Team Vicar Revd Laura Betson, St John’s Church, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, DY116RL, [email protected]