St Mary's Church was built in 1931, when it replaced the original prefabricated tin hut that had served as a daughter church of St Paul's in the centre of Whitley Bay. The area where the church now stands was yet to be built on.
There were many designs, and the chosen scheme was a brick built church in the romanesque style (similar in style to an ancient Roman basilica where early Christians would have met). The original plan was to have a large bell tower, but the building was not completed. The building was finally completed in the 1960s, extending the church and building a vestibule and baptistry at the west end.
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Over the last 10 years we have completed an extensive redevelopment programme. We now have a wonderfully open and adaptable space, retaining many of the original features from the 1930s, but now incorporating some technical features from the 21st Century– such as modern lighting, sound system, fully equipped kitchen, heating and toilet facilities.
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Our Church Hall was built on the site of the original tin hut in the 1970s. The Hall is a popular venue for parties and functions as well as regular users: slimming clubs, yoga, badminton and exercise groups, as well as being home to Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Scouts.
We have two large, versatile buildings in the heart of our residential community – the church, and the hall alongside. We encourage anyone who wants to rent a large, local, flexible, warm and welcoming space to help us make good use of these community facilities, when they're not being used for worship or other church activities.
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The acoustics in the church are wonderful, and every year local choirs, bands and other performers use us as a venue. It’s also a very good exhibition space, for art, photography and everything from quilting to Christmas trees!
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We’ve had ceilidhs, quizzes, drama, children’s or adults’ parties and receptions, conferences and training events, in the church or hall.
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We have up to date kitchens and toilets and our decent size car park has recently been resurfaced. Click below to contact us!