St Andrew's Church, Haughton-le-Skerne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Andrew's Church |
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| 54°32′14″N 1°31′30″W / 54.53731°N 1.525083°W | |
| Location | Haughton Road/Salters Lane South, Haughton-le-Skerne, County Durham, DL1 2DD |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Open Evangelical |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Completed | Circa 1100 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Haughton le Skerne |
| Deanery | Darlington |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Auckland |
| Diocese | Diocese of Durham |
St Andrew's Church is a special church in Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington, England. It is part of the Church of England. This church is very old and important, so it is known as a Grade I listed building. This means it is protected because of its history and unique architecture.
Contents
History of St Andrew's Church
How the Church Was Built
St Andrew's Church was first built a very long time ago, around the 12th century. That's over 900 years ago! Later, in the 15th century, it was repaired and made even better.
Changes Over Time
In 1795, the church got bigger. New parts were added, like transepts, which are sections that stick out from the main building, making the church look like a cross. A vestry, a room where clergy prepare, and a south porch were also added.
Old Features Inside
Many parts of the church are very old. You can still see original Norman windows from when it was first built. The wooden pews (benches for people to sit on), the pulpit (where sermons are given), and the lectern (where readings are done) are from 1662. The cover for the font, which is a basin used for baptisms, is from the 15th century. St Andrew's is the oldest church in Darlington.
St Andrew's Church Today
Protected Building Status
Because of its long history and special features, St Andrew's Church was officially named a Grade I listed building on April 28, 1952. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Community and Worship
From 1993 to 2009, St Andrew's Church helped start a new church group in a local school. This group later joined back with St Andrew's. The church follows the Open Evangelical tradition within the Church of England. This means it focuses on sharing the Christian message and helping people grow in their faith.
People Who Served at St Andrew's
Many interesting people have worked at St Andrew's Church over the centuries. Here are a few:
- Bulkeley Bandinel was the rector (the main priest) from 1822 to 1855. He was also in charge of a famous library called Bodley's Library.
- Eleazar Duncon was rector starting in 1633. He had to leave his church roles during the English Civil War.
- Thomas Le Mesurier was rector from 1812 to 1822. He was known for his strong opinions and writings.
- Joanna Penberthy worked as a deaconess (a church helper) here from 1984 to 1985. She later became the first female bishop in the Church in Wales.
- Noel Proctor was a curate (a junior priest) at St Andrew's from 1964 to 1967. He later became a chaplain at a prison during a big event there.
- John Wallis, who studied old things and local history, was a temporary curate in 1775.
