St Luke's Church, Wallsend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Luke's Wallsend |
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| 54°59′26″N 1°32′00″W / 54.9905°N 1.5334°W | |
| Location | Frank Street, Wallsend |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Churchmanship | Anglo-Catholic / High Church |
| Website | www.achurchnearyou.com/wallsend-st-luke |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Dedication | St Luke |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Wallsend St Peter and St Luke |
| Deanery | Tynemouth |
| Archdeaconry | Archdeaconry of Northumberland |
| Diocese | Diocese of Newcastle |
| Province | Province of York |
The Church of St Luke is a special Church of England building in the middle of Wallsend, North Tyneside. It's considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade II* listed church. You can find it right next to Station Road.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
Why St Luke's Was Built
Long ago, in the late 1800s, many people moved to Wallsend. This was because of the busy coal mining and shipbuilding jobs there. The local church, St Peter's, became too small for everyone. So, in 1887, the area was split, and a new church, St Luke's, was planned for the western part of Wallsend.
Building the Church
The first stone for St Luke's was laid in 1885. The church was officially ready for services in 1887. However, the whole building wasn't completely finished until 1906.
The "Shipyard Church"
A very important person who helped pay for the new church was George B. Hunter. He was in charge of the Swan Hunter shipbuilding company. This company's shipyard was very close to the church. Because of this strong connection, St Luke's became known as the 'Shipyard Church'.
Joining Forces Again
In 2001, St Luke's church joined back with St Peter's church. This brought the two churches, which were once part of the same area, back together.
Church Traditions
St Luke's Church was first set up with a style of worship called Anglo-Catholicism. This means it had some traditions similar to older Catholic churches. For a while, these traditions were very strong. However, after 1908, a new leader was chosen who preferred a simpler style of worship. The older traditions didn't return until much later, when a vicar named Fr Colin Turnbull took over.
Amazing Stained Glass Window
One of the most beautiful things inside St Luke's Church is its large east window. This window shows a picture of the Crucifixion. It was put in place in 1922 to remember the brave men from the area who died fighting in the First World War. A talented artist named Wilhelmina Geddes designed it. Many people think it's one of her best works and a truly special piece of art.
Other Interesting Features
Church Design and Tower
The church building is designed in a style called Early English Gothic. This style was popular a long time ago. The architects who designed it were Oliver, Leeson & Wood. The church's tower is very tall and easy to spot in the Wallsend skyline. It was actually meant to be even taller, with a pointy spire on top! But the ground underneath was too soft (like quicksand), so they couldn't build it higher.
The Pipe Organ
The church has a large musical instrument called a pipe organ. It was made by a company named Abbott and Smith from Leeds. This organ is very special and its details are recorded in a national register for pipe organs.
The Vestries and a Sad Story
At the back of the church, there are rooms called vestries. These rooms are a memorial to Kathleen O'Brady-Jones. She was the daughter of an early vicar of the church. Sadly, she passed away during a rehearsal for a church event.
A Church Across the World
Did you know there's another St Luke's church in a place called Wallsend, New South Wales? This Wallsend is a suburb of Newcastle, NSW, in Australia. This church was named after the St Luke's in England, showing a connection between the two places.
Church Leaders (Clergy)
Many different leaders, called vicars and rectors, have served St Luke's Church over the years. They help lead the church services and support the community.
- 1887-1892 W.S. Wrenford
- 1892-1908 William O'Brady-Jones
- 1908-1912 R. Nicholson
- 1912-1923 T.W. Allen
- 1923-1933 A. Simpson
- 1933-1943 J.H. Johnston
- 1943-1952 Robert McCaughey
- 1953-1958 Donald MacNaughton
- 1958-1968 Colin Turnbull
- 1969-1971 John Clay
- 1971-1989 Peter Heywood
- 1990-1996 John Inge
- 1996-2001 Richard Deadman
After 2001, the church joined with St Peter's, and the leaders became known as Rectors of Wallsend St Peter & St Luke:
- 2001-2011 Michael Vine
- 2012-2019 David Sudron
St Luke's Today
Since 2009-2010, St Luke's Church has changed a lot inside. The back part of the church has been made into new halls and a kitchen. These new spaces are used for many different community groups and activities. It's a place where people can meet, learn, and help each other.
For example, the vestries (rooms at the back) are now home to the "Walking With Project." This is a charity that helps people who are seeking safety and new homes in the North Tyneside area.
Images for kids
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The new Church Hall looks across Frank St to Wallsend Memorial Hall
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The west end of the nave has been subdivided
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The nave of St Luke's, Wallsend, looking east
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The Lady Chapel at the east end of the south aisle
