Heritage Heaven

It was once said that, "to sit still is to watch decay." And so it has proved in the life of St. Andrew's Church, Parish of Monkwearmouth The ravages of time and the north east coastal weather has certainly taken its toll on this important and magnificent grade 1 listed church with its unique style of architecture. A building but a few years after its centenary celebrations in need of urgent and emergency work to maintain it as a place fit to worship our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is that vision of "decaying stone" being turned into" living stones" fit for worship that has been the driving force for change, not just to preserve a beautiful building but in the building of God's Kingdom. The task God has set before us, daunting though that might be.

Through 2011/12 emergency work to the stained glass east window, repair of roof parapets on the south side, paths, lightning conductor and much other work was completed. The major work of the restoration of two north nave windows was completed by the summer of 2012. This work was largely financed by legacy money together with several trust fund grants. Our grateful thanks to those with that vision of thankfulness before God of the importance they attached to a church at the heart of their spiritual lives.

To continue the work a grant application was made to English Heritage in 2012 for further funding to replace five windows in the church. The success of this application is now evident with the sight of scaffolding "adorning" the chancel. This work on the two chancel, two north nave and one south nave windows is due to be completed by mid July this year.

A further application was made to the Heritage Lottery Fund last year and I am pleased to announce that this application has now been successful. This will allow the church to replace the three remaining windows and complete the repair work to the nave and transept roof areas, including parapets, guttering, rain water pipes and drainage.

Much work still to be undertaken, amidst the noise of hammer and drill, though the refreshing sights and sounds of human activity pointing to renewal and restoration and a future hope of the hand of God at work amongst us. From visitor to regular member, memories of past connection or the joy of future worship that draws our joint experience of God together through a building of human offering to the glory of God.

So much to be thankful for as the work which will continue for some time to come. Thankfulness to the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Priestman Trust, Northumbria Historic Churches Trust and Durham Diocese, John Barnes (architect), Chris Chesney (Iona Glass), several contractors and not least yourselves who have contributed so much through the "Pane Appeal" to this important work.

John Pattinson                                January 2014