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
“It
was interesting to see how many people couldn't believe they were
really free,” said Andrew, who had been offered the
individually-wrapped buns by the local Tesco store he has been
building links with.
