Holy Trinity, Sunderland
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Holy Trinity is a former church in Sunderland. It was opened in 1719 to replace St. Michael's church (now the site of Sunderland Minster), which had become overcrowded due to the rapid expansion of the town.[1] It is a listed building and is one of the oldest buildings in the East End of Sunderland.[1] [2]
It is unknown who built the church, but what is known for sure is that Daniel Newcombe — who was appointed rector — and William Etty were involved in some of its design.[3] [4]. A plaque marking its Grade I listed building status credits Etty as the designer.[5] In its early years, the building also housed the town's Council chamber and library.[5]
The church is no longer in use for worship, having closed in 1988, and is now owned by the Churches Conservation Trust.[4] It is currently used as a venue for concerts involving Sunderland Symphony Orchestra, Sunderland Youth Orchestra and the East End Sing-a-long Chorus, which are arranged by Music for All, whose offices are based in the church.[6]
[edit] History
- 1712 — Local merchants campaign for a new church to be built.[4]
- 1719 — First recorded baptisms, of Primus Barwick and Mary Whiton, on July 25.[2]
- 1719 — Church consecrated on September 5.[4]
- 1735 — Near-circular apse with Venetian window added by Daniel Newcombe, as the church initially had no chancel.[2] [7]
- 1803 — Gallery added.[2] Roof reconstructed by Thomas Wilson and windows re-glazed.[3]
- 1838[7] — Memorial erected to Revd Robert Gray, rector from 1819 to 1838.[2]
- 1856 — Clockface on tower added.[8]
- 1842 — Gallery extension constructed, but later removed.[4]
- 1900 (circa) — Windows re-glazed again.[3]
- 1936 — Organ built. [4]
- 1939-1945 — slight war damage.[8]
- 1980s — building in need of expensive repairs.
- 1988 — cost of renovation and dwindling congregation cause the final service to be held on June 26, and church the closes a few days later.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b BBC Wear Online. Holy Trinity Church - photo gallery (image 1). Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Wearside Online. Holy Trinity Church. Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
- ^ a b c tomorrows-history.com - Church of the Holy Trinity. Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Sunderland Public Library Service. Local Studies Centre Factsheet No. 3 - Old Sunderland Parish Church. Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
- ^ a b BBC Wear Online. Holy Trinity Church - photo gallery (image 4). Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
- ^ 'Music for All' listed on near.co.uk — Retrieved on 2007-04-07
- ^ a b Church Gazetteer. Sunderland, Holy Trinity. Retrieved on April 7, 2004.
- ^ a b BBC Wear Online. Holy Trinity Church - photo gallery (image 3). Retrieved on April 7, 2007.
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