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Sacred Heart Church, North Gosforth facts for kids

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Sacred Heart Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Church - geograph.org.uk - 75126.jpg
Location in Tyne and Wear
Location in Tyne and Wear
Sacred Heart Church
Location in Tyne and Wear
55°02′27″N 1°37′15″W / 55.0407°N 1.6209°W / 55.0407; -1.6209
OS grid reference NZ2432271866
Location North Gosforth
Country England
Denomination Roman Catholic
Website http://www.sacredheartng.org.uk/
History
Former name(s) Anglican church of St Mary
Dedicated 24 June 1912
Architecture
Heritage designation Grade II
Designated 18 October 2006
Style Early English Gothic
Completed 1860s
Administration
Parish Sacred Heart Parish, North Gosforth
Diocese Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

The Sacred Heart Church is a Roman Catholic church located in North Gosforth, a part of Newcastle upon Tyne in England. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle. The church is found between the village of Wideopen to the north and Gosforth Park to the south.

In 2006, the church was given a special status as a Grade II listed building. This means it's an important historic building that needs to be protected. The church is also famous for its beautiful stained glass windows. These windows feature designs by artists from a group called the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, especially Sir Edward Burne-Jones.

A Look Back: The Church's Story

How the Church Began as St Mary's

This church was first built in the 1860s. It was originally an Anglican church, which is a different Christian denomination. A man named Thomas Eustace Smith paid for it and gave it to the community. He named it St Mary's.

Later, people started using St Columba's church in Seaton Burn more often. This was because St Columba's was closer to where most people in the church area lived. Because of this, St Mary's church was used less and eventually closed down.

Becoming Sacred Heart Church

In 1911, Bishop Richard Collins, who was the leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, bought the church. He then gave it to the Diocese for Catholic worship.

The very first Catholic Mass (church service) was held there by the Bishop on January 28, 1912. The church was officially given its new name, Sacred Heart, on June 24, 1912.

What Does the Church Look Like?

The Sacred Heart Church was built in the 1860s. Its design follows the Early English Gothic style. This style is known for its tall, pointed arches and large windows.

Even though Gothic buildings often use stone, much of this church is made from brick. The person who designed the church is not officially known. However, some people think it might have been designed by William Butterfield or one of his students. This is because it looks similar to the church of Baldersby St James in North Yorkshire, which Butterfield designed.

The Amazing Stained Glass Windows

One of the most special things about Sacred Heart Church is its stunning stained glass windows. These windows have designs created by famous artists from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

These artists include Edward Burne-Jones, Ford Madox Brown, and William Morris. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was a group of English painters, poets, and art critics. They formed in 1848 and wanted to return to the detail and bright colors of early Italian Renaissance art.

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