Church of the Week
Wallsend, Tyne & Wear
Our Lady and St Columba in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, our Church of the Week, was built with the help of local families. This one-of-a-kind Grade II listed church is unique in its bold and impressive 1950s design, which infuses Modern Perpendicular Gothic with Scandinavian and Art Deco elements. When the church was first built, local working families gave something called 'brick money', making personal sacrifices to ensure the church you see today could be constructed. Now, though, the roof is failing, letting in water. As a result, the steel frame holding everything in place, has rusted, creating cracks throughout the building. The church is already on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register owing to these urgent repair needs. Without intervention the building risks falling further into decay and even closing. This would be devastating to local people who rely on this much-loved building. The church and its adjoining hall host everything from recovery groups to coffee mornings for older people and a space for young people to meet and gather. They are a vital community resource – especially for vulnerable people and those who are feeling lonely or isolated. Thankfully help is at hand. Our Lady and St Columba will receive a £20,000 grant from the National Churches Trust to help fund urgent repairs to the roof and buttresses. Not only will this mean that the church can continue to stay open and serving the local community, but it's vital heritage will be protected for many years to come.
View Wallsend Our Lady & St Columba
