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 an old and important Church of England church in Haughton-le-Skerne, a village near Darlington. It is known as a parish church, which means it serves the local community. The building is so special that it's officially called a Grade I listed building. This means it's one of the most important historic buildings in England.
History of St Andrew's Church
This church has a very long history! It was first built way back in the 12th century, around the year 1100. Later, in the 15th century, it was repaired and updated.
In 1795, the church got bigger. New parts were added, like transepts (sections that stick out from the main building), a vestry (a room for clergy and church items), and a south porch.
Some of the church's oldest features are still there today. You can see original Norman windows from when it was first built. The pews (church benches), pulpit (where sermons are given), and lectern (where readings are done) date back to 1662. The church also has a beautiful font cover from the 15th century. St Andrew's Church is actually the oldest church in the whole Darlington area.
The Church Today
Because of its historical importance, St Andrew's Church was officially named a Grade I listed building on April 28, 1952. This helps protect it for future generations.
From 1993 to 2009, St Andrew's helped start a new church group in a local school. After a while, this group joined back with St Andrew's. The church follows a tradition within the Church of England called Open Evangelical. This means it has a focus on sharing the Christian faith and welcoming everyone.
People Connected to St Andrew's
Many interesting people have worked or served at St Andrew's Church over the centuries. Here are a few:
- Bulkeley Bandinel was the rector (head priest) from 1822 to 1855. He was also in charge of a famous library called Bodley's Library.
- Joanna Penberthy worked here as a deaconess from 1984 to 1985. She later became the first female bishop in the Church in Wales.
- Noel Proctor served here from 1964 to 1967. He later became a chaplain at HM Prison Manchester during a big event called the 1990 Strangeways Prison riot.
