Queen’s Foundation and Methodist Church name building

The Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham and the Methodist Church have announced the name of a newly purchased building today, named after a renowned theologian and minister.

‘Frances Young House’, 24 Somerset Road, Edgbaston, is the latest building to be made available to the Foundation, which offers academic ecumenical theological education and trains Methodists and Anglicans for ministry.

The building has been purchased by the Methodist Church, which has had a significant partnership with the Foundation since 1970. Building works are currently underway and scheduled to be finished by April this year.  Designed by a local architect, the newly refurbished structure will boast a new lecture theatre, offices, facilities and living quarters as a new space to ‘live, learn and reflect’.

The new building takes its name from the Revd Professor Frances Young, a Methodist minister and established theologian who has many notable achievements in theology, including an OBE for her services to the field.  When asked about her reaction to finding out that she would have a building named after her, Frances said:
"My first reaction was one of astonishment – it was so unexpected, and so out of sync with the sermon I was preparing about humility! But since finding out, I’ve been increasingly grateful, seeing it as a sign of mutual regard – of the College’s appreciation for my long standing association, and of my own appreciation for all the College has given me over the years."

The Revd Canon Dr David Hewlett, Principle of the Foundation, added:
“I am delighted that the house will be named after the Revd Professor Frances Young.  Professor Young is already closely connected with the Queen’s Foundation as one of our International Research Consultants and her lifelong work and ministry exemplifies the best of Christian scholarship.  The new building will be a wonderful addition to the Queen’s campus, providing first class accommodation for our student community and excellent additional teaching resources.”