Sunderland Minster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunderland Minster |
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| Church of St Michael and All Angels and St Benedict Biscop |
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Sunderland Minster
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 Sunderland Minster
Location in Tyne and Wear
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| 54°54′22″N 1°23′17″W / 54.906°N 1.388°W | |
| OS grid reference | NZ393570 |
| Location | Sunderland |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Status | "Civic church" (extra-parochial former parish church) |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* listed |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Durham |
| Province | York |
The Minster Church of St Michael and All Angels and St Benedict Biscop is a very old and important church in Sunderland, England. Most people call it Sunderland Minster. It is a special kind of church known as a minster.
This church used to be called "St Michael & All Angels' Church". It served as the main church for the area of Bishopwearmouth. In January 1998, Sunderland became a city. Because of this, the church was given the new name of Sunderland Minster. In May 2007, the Minster stopped being the local parish church for Bishopwearmouth. Bishopwearmouth is now a part of Sunderland. Sunderland Minster is also part of a group called the Greater Churches Group.
Contents
History of Sunderland Minster
A church has stood on this spot for more than a thousand years. For most of that time, it was known as 'Bishopwearmouth Parish Church'.
Early Beginnings
The area of Bishopwearmouth, which is south of the River Wear, was set up around the year 940 AD. An original stone church was built there soon after. We know this because Saxon stones were found during an excavation in the 1930s.
Changes Over Time
The church had to be almost completely rebuilt in the early 1900s. This was due to the ground sinking because of coal mining nearby. Even so, some parts of the older church were saved and kept.
Becoming a Minster
In 1998, Sunderland was officially made a city. After this, the church was given the special title of 'Sunderland Minster'. It was only the second church in England to become a Minster since the Reformation. The first was Dewsbury Minster in 1994.
New Patron Saint
In May 2007, Benedict Biscop became the patron saint of Sunderland. Because of this, the church's full name was changed to include St Benedict Biscop. It also became an "Extra Parochial Place," meaning it serves the whole city rather than just one local area.
Historic Building Status
Sunderland Minster is a very important historical building. It is listed as a Grade II* building. This means it is a particularly important building of more than special interest.
Role of the Minster Today
Sunderland Minster plays a big role in the city. Until May 2007, the church's ministers did regular parish duties. They also served the city by holding special services. These included services of remembrance.
Community Support
The Minster also provided chaplains for people working in shops and factories in the city centre. The University chaplaincy also used the church. It still hosts special services and worship events for everyone in the city. It has done this for many years, even when it was Bishopwearmouth Parish Church.
A Church for the City
In 2007, the Minster stopped being a local parish church. Its local duties were moved to the Parish Churches of St Nicholas and St Ignatius. Since then, Sunderland Minster describes itself as "A church for the whole City." This means it serves all of Sunderland.
See also
- Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland
- Bishopwearmouth Rectory
