OUR HISTORY
Formation of the Gujarati Social Association (1970)
Gujaratis from the state of Gujarat in India migrated to the United Kingdom from India and East Africa during the 1960s. Many settled in Dudley and the surrounding areas of the West Midlands. As the Gujarati community in Dudley grew, there was a strong need to create an organisation that could support and promote religious, cultural, and social activities for local families.
A key meeting was held on 28th June 1970 at 15 Queens Cross, Dudley, attended by 27 members of the Gujarati community. The purpose was to discuss the growing needs of the community and how best to support religious, cultural, and social life locally. From this meeting, an ad hoc committee of 11 members was formed.
A further meeting took place on 1st July 1970 at the home of Shree Harkishanbhai K Mistry, attended by 19 members. At this meeting, the organisation was formally established as the Gujarati Social Association. The first committee was elected as follows:
- President: Shree Harkishanbhai Karsanbhai Mistry
- Secretary: Shree Govindbhai Kumbharia
- Treasurer: Shree Maganbhai Vallabhbhai Patel
And to deal with the Financial affairs;
- Shree Kanjibhai Lallabhai Patel
- Shree Gosaibhai Unkabhai Patel
A “Constitution Committee” was also elected to prepare a Constitution for the Organisation.
Growing Community & Early Years
As the years passed, the Association grew steadily. Committees changed over time, with several Presidents serving voluntarily and dedicating their time to the community to date.
- Shree Harkishanbhai Karsanbhai Mistry
- Shree Govindbhai Kumbharia
- Shree Maganbhai Premabhai Patel
- Shree Ramanbhai Bhanabhai Patel
- Shree Natwarbhai Muljibhai Patel
- Shree Subhashbhai Dahyabhai Patel
- Shree Rambhai Jerambhai Patel
- Shree Chaganbhai Naranbhai Patel
- Shree Dahyabhai Ravjibhai Patel
- Shree Hasmukh Shantubhai Patel
- Shree Balvantbhai Haribhai Patel
- Shree Vijay Jitubhai Patel
- Shree Pravin Chaganbhai Patel
In those early years, the main task of the committee was to:
- Enrol Members
- Collect Fees
- Organise Cultural and Religious Events
- Support Community Gatherings
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, many families had settled permanently in Dudley. This created a shared vision for a permanent community centre with a temple and hall facilities.
Hope Street Community Centre (1983)
Having a Community Centre with Temple and Hall facilities was the dream of the Organisation, but it was an expensive dream. However, with a lot of hard work, dedication, and patience, by the grace of God, the Organisation was fortunate to purchase a property at Hope Street, Dudley, that would be suitable for the community’s needs.
The organisation was able to purchase a property on Hope Street, Dudley. The premises were officially taken over on 27th May 1983, and after modifications, the Opening Ceremony (Mangal Pravesh) was held on 27th September 1983.
The ceremony was performed by Shree Maganbhai Premabhai Patel, with her daughter Ansuya carrying the “Kalesh” during the symbolic entry into the building.
Bhoomi Poojan Ceremony (1983)
Before establishing the temple space, a Bhoomi Poojan ceremony was performed on 27th August 1983 by:
- Priest Thakorbhai
- Shree ShivRam Shastri
- Shree Rajguru
The ceremony was sponsored by Shree Kanjibhai Lallabhai Patel and family, who also generously covered all associated costs.
Establishment of the Temple – Shree Krishna Temple History
A temporary prayer area was first created on the upper floor, which later developed into a permanent temple space.
The temple occupies part of the building, while the rest is used for:
- Cultural events
- Weddings and engagements
- Navratri, Diwali and New Year celebrations
- Youth, women and senior citizens’ activities
- Community gatherings
This made the Centre a true hub for both spiritual and social life.
Murti Pran Pratishtha (1991)
A historic milestone took place on the 17th, 18th and 19th May 1991, when the Murti Pran Pratishtha ceremony was performed for:
- Shree Radha Krishna
- Gayatri Maa
- Gurudev Dattatreya Bhagwan
- Shree Ganeshji
- Shree Hanumanji
The ceremony was performed by Shree Girdharlal Acharya and Shree Jayeshbhai Joshi (Upacharya).
This was a deeply spiritual and memorable occasion for the Hindu community and the wider Dudley area, bringing people together in celebration and harmony.
Inauguration of Deities (1994)
Another important milestone took place in May 1994, when the inauguration ceremony of:
- Gau Mata
- Shiv Ling
- Shiv Parivar
was held on 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th May 1994.
The religious ceremonies were performed by Priests Shree Ratilalbhai Pandya and Shree Girishbhai Vaidya.
Our Community Today
Today, the Shree Gujarati Hindu Centre, Shree Krishna Temple history continues to serve the Hindu community in Dudley and the wider West Midlands.
It provides a space not only for religious worship but also for cultural preservation, education, and community unity.
The Centre remains committed to:
- Promoting peace, respect and inclusion for all
- Preserving Hindu faith and Gujarati heritage
- Supporting community wellbeing
- Sharing culture with wider society