Sunderland became an extra parochial place of worship in THE MINSTER CHURCH 2007 and as such no longer has a Rector. Therefore Canon Stephen Tay- lor was the last Rector of the parish church and the OF first Canon Provost of the newly designated Minster. Three Fonts are found in the narthex; the largest, beside the Antiquar- ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS ian Society door, was donated by Robert Long, a previous rector, in & ST BENEDICT BISCOP memory of his son who died in India. One made from white marble situ- ated nearby is used for flower displays while the ancient stone font (through the double leather doors) was dug up in the churchyard during the 1935 alterations. As it had ceased to be used it had been buried according to Ecclesiastical regulations, in consecrated ground.

Two Stones built into the wall by the staircase are thought to be remnants of very early religious artefacts, possibly parts of grave mark- ers. It has been suggested that they are of Saxon origin but little proof can be found to substantiate this.

Church Wardens and Sidesmen’s Poles stand by the west door. Their modern counterparts are mostly smaller and symbolic but they were originally used to keep the congregation and invading animals in order.

Two Ancient Oak Pews on the north side of the porch date from the 18th century. Also on the wall are pictures of some of the previous Rec- tors of the Parish.

THE VARIOUS ROOMS The Choir Vestry in the north-east corner of the church contains framed pictures of St Michael’s Church through the ages and the drawings by the architect Caroe for the 1935 alterations. The two large portraits are of Henry Egerton (Rector) and John Wesley the founder of Methodism.

The Lounge (upstairs on the north side) contains a stone sculpture of St George which was part of the north aisle before the introduction of the partitions. MINI-GUIDE The Clock Tower Coffee Shop contains a corresponding sculpture of St Michael once part of the south aisle. TO

North & South Galleries display Benefaction Boards indicating the donations given by past parishioners for various under-privileged THE groups (for security reasons only the north side is open to visitors). CHURCH The Traidcraft Shop in the south porch sells Third World goods.

A.G.T 1998 S.T. 2010 THE MINSTER CHURCH OF The Nave Altar, chairs,portable Font and Paschal candlestick were ST MICHAEL &ALL ANGELS & ST BENEDICT BISCOP made by Mr Andrew Newton, a member of the congregation from the pews removed in 1981. The altar was dedicated in memory of a previous Formerly St Michael and All Angels Bishopwearmouth or church warden.One of the chairs is in memory of Mr Newton’s late wife. Bishopwearmouth Parish Church, was first built around 900AD but due to many alterations little remains of the earlier constructions. The church The Pulpit, donated by the family of the rector in 1935, depicts the served the majority of the area south of the and came under the insignia of the four Evangelists. The carved wooden top matches jurisdiction of the Bishop of Durham - hence Bishopwearmouth. On decorative arches that are currently over the interior west doors and in January 11th 1998 the church was inaugurated as Sunderland Minster by Rt the west gallery. These arches were part of a Chancel Screen dating from Rev Michael Turnbull, Bishop of Durham. The Minster aims to be 1935. supportive of ecumenical, industrial, University and other educational and In the north transept is a chest originally designed to hold documents and leisure activities. It provides a meeting place for people from all over the registers maintained by the Rector. These are now in the Diocesan City as well as a centre of worship on a daily basis. The church was once Records Office in Durham. again renamed on Tuesday May 1st 2007 as the Minster Church of St Mi- chael & All Angels and St Benedict Biscop, to commemorate it’s new status The Old Lectern, bearing a figure of St Michael, and also in the north as an extra parochial place of worship. transept, was given in memory of a member of the parish killed in the belfry. THE CHANCEL The Stained Glass Window depicting Christ in Glory contains the words The south transept houses the tomb of Thomas Middleton of of the Creed, the Borough of Sunderland coat of arms, St Michael slaying Silksworth, which is now in poor condition. It depicts a knight with the dragon and the historical figure of a Bishop associated with items crossed hands, a sword by his side and his feet resting on a lion. connected with the sea. The window was designed in 1950 to replace one Silksworth village, now part Sunderland, is 3 - 4 miles from the centre of damaged by enemy action during World War II. the city.

Arches on the south side of the altar were originally seats but a raised THE TOWER floor now partially hides them. The wooden door on the north side was an This section of the building retains some of the 16th century stonework aumbry for the reserved Sacrament. The small sculptured faces are thought and bears the Royal Coat of Arms. The flags of the Durham Light to be as early as 14th century. Infantry commemorated by silver plaques have been removed because of their state of deterioration. Staff, students and parents of Christ’s School, Richmond, Surrey designed The Minster currently has 8 bells weighing from 4 - 12cwt. The original one of the Altar Frontals which forms a set with the hangings, sometimes 6 were installed in the early 1800’s and augmented to 8 at the end of the in place in the Bede Chapel. Christ’s is one of only a few ecumenical RC/ same century. The bell tower is currently undergoing restoration prior to CE secondary schools in the country. the installation of 2 new bells.

The Organ built and maintained by Harrison & Harrison of Durham was re THE NARTHEX (MAIN PORCH) -sited during the 1935 alterations so that the pipes were in the loft and the Double Wooden Doors and nearby Tablets commemorate the dead of console next to the choir. At one time it was sited at the west end of the Two World Wars. Some items are from St Hilda’s Church which used to building stand in Chester Road on the University site next to the Edinburgh

Choir Pews display carvings depicting trades typical of Biblical times. Building. The Rector’s Tablet records the names of all rectors since 1214. A THE BEDE CHAPEL church existed here for as much as 300 years before that date but no The Altar was constructed from a pulpit dated 1632 and found locally in a accurate records remain. The living at Bishopwearmouth was greatly very delapidated condition. Only the four front panels could be saved. (See valued and profitable and often went to Rectors who rarely, if ever, the separate guide book describing the stained glass windows.) visited the parish. Many became bishops and senior churchmen and

THE MAIN NAVE & TRANSEPTS many came from influential families of the day. Gerald Valerian Oak partitions put in place in 1981 created a restaurant, office and meeting Wellesley was the brother of the Duke of Wellington and Robert of rooms. One of the rooms has subsequently been taken over by the Sunder- Geneva became Pope in Avignon taking the title Clement VII. The word land Antiquarian Society. The Clocktower Coffee Shop is open during “Intruder” refers to clergy who, at the time of Cromwell, were not in the week serving freshly prepared hot and cold food. Rooms are available favour of the monarchy . After the Restoration the word was used as a for hire and group activities during the week. Please speak to a member of political statement and historical indicator. staff for details.