St Mary's Church, Sunderland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary's Church |
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Church entrance
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| 54°54′30″N 1°22′58″W / 54.9082°N 1.3827°W | |
| OS grid reference | NZ3967857227 |
| Location | Sunderland |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Dedication | Blessed Virgin Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Parish church |
| Heritage designation | Grade II listed |
| Designated | 8 May 1950 |
| Architect(s) | Ignatius Bonomi |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1830 |
| Completed | 15 September 1835 |
| Administration | |
| Deanery | St Bede, Sunderland |
| Diocese | Hexham and Newcastle |
| Province | Liverpool |
St Mary's Church is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Sunderland. It is located where Bridge Street and St Mary's Way meet. This church is a special building because it is listed as Grade II. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
The church was designed by an architect named Ignatius Bonomi. It was built between 1830 and 1835. St Mary's is the oldest church in Sunderland that was built in the Gothic Revival style. This style brings back the look of old Gothic cathedrals.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
How the Church Was Built
In 1830, Ignatius Bonomi created the plans for St Mary's Church. He designed it to hold about 1200 people. The church officially opened on September 15, 1835. John Briggs, a church leader from the Northern District, opened it.
By 1851, many more people were living in Sunderland. It was thought that over 4000 Catholic people lived there. To make space for everyone, two extra chapels were added to the church in 1852. Bonomi had planned for these additions when he first designed the building.
In 1937, a large organ was brought into the church. It came from the Rex Theatre in South Shields. This organ was later fixed up in 1992 so it could be used again.
St Mary's During World War II
In March and May of 1943, the church was damaged during air raids. The main roof was hit and had to be rebuilt. Also, most of the beautiful stained glass windows were broken.
New stained glass was put in during 1946 and 1947. It cost £1000 and came from a company in the Netherlands called Jansen & Co. This company also helped to redecorate the altars and the Stations of the Cross. After all the repairs were finished, the church was officially blessed again on September 24, 1947, by Joseph McCormack, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle.
Changes to the Church Layout
In 1982, the church was changed inside. This was done because of new rules from the Second Vatican Council. The pulpit (where sermons are given) and the altar rails were taken out. A new altar was brought in and moved closer to the people.
The altar in the Lady Chapel was also removed. However, the beautiful reredos (a screen behind the altar) showing the Annunciation stayed. The Stations of the Cross were moved to the back of the church for a while, and some statues were taken away. The church was redecorated, and a new heating system was put in. A narthex (an entrance hall) was also created. All these changes cost about £130,000. On April 16, 1982, the new altar was blessed by Bishop Owen Swindlehurst. The church was repaired and redecorated again between 2002 and 2003.
Church Services
St Mary's Church holds two Masses every Sunday. These services happen at 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle
