Sunderland Minster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sunderland Minster |
|
|---|---|
| Church of St Michael and All Angels and St Benedict Biscop |
|
.jpg)
Sunderland Minster
|
|
 Sunderland Minster
Location in Tyne and Wear
|
|
| 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 Sunderland Minster is a very important church in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England. Its full name is the Minster Church of St Michael and All Angels and St Benedict Biscop. It used to be called St Michael & All Angels' Church. In 1998, it became a 'Minster' when Sunderland became a city. This church is part of the Greater Churches Group, which means it's a significant church in England.
Contents
History of Sunderland Minster
A church dedicated to St Michael & All Angels has stood on this spot for over a thousand years. For most of that time, it was known as 'Bishopwearmouth Parish Church'. A parish church serves the local community.
Early Beginnings and Discoveries
The area of Bishopwearmouth, south of the River Wear, was set up around 940 AD. An original stone church was built soon after. In the 1930s, workers found Saxon stones during an excavation. This showed that a church had been on this site for a very long time.
Rebuilding and New Status
Due to ground sinking from coal mining, the church was almost completely rebuilt in the early 1900s. However, some parts of the old church were saved. In 1998, Sunderland was given 'city status'. Because of this, the church was renamed 'Sunderland Minster'. It was only the second church in England to become a Minster since the Reformation.
A New Patron Saint
In May 2007, Benedict Biscop was chosen as Sunderland's Patron Saint. A patron saint is a special protector. The church then added St Benedict Biscop to its full name. It also changed its role from a parish church to a special 'Extra Parochial Place'. The building is also a Grade II* listed building. This means it is a very important historical building.
Role of the Minster Today
Until May 2007, the church's ministers did normal parish duties. They also served the city by holding special services. They provided support for people working in the city centre. The church was also used by the University of Sunderland for its chaplaincy.
A Church for the City
In 2007, the Minster stopped being a regular parish church. Other local churches took over those duties. Since then, Sunderland Minster describes itself as "A church for the whole City". It continues to host special services and worship events for everyone in Sunderland.
Images for kids
-
Sunderland Minster
See also
- Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland
- Bishopwearmouth Rectory
