Grants Awarded

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £7,000 to go towards an all inclusive accessible toilet. The church is a Grade 2 listed building and was built between 1868-73. Our church is a welcoming, faith‑centred community where people of all ages come together to worship, grow, and support one another. Beyond Sunday services, we serve as a hub for connection offering outreach programmes, community events, and practical support for local families. Our goal is to be a place where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged, and to make a meaningful difference in the wider community through compassion, service, and shared purpose.

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £15,000 to go towards the repairs to the roof. The Church was built in 1881 and is in the centre of Ryton village and has been serving the public for 145 years. It offers a vast range of activities that provide the needs of many in our area. It also has a tower that houses 3 large clock faces that provides a prominent feature of the church along side letting the passing public to check on the time. We pride ourselves as being relevant and continually challenge our mission statement. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £7,000 to go towards the repointing of external walls and the replacement of ridge tiles. Original church built in 1866, burnt down 1907 and rebuilt and reopened 1909. Large stone built traditional church with a modern addition of a screen across the nave forming an extremely useful multipurpose narthex. Centrally located in the village with regular Sunday services and junior church. Well supported by the community and grounds maintained by volunteers to a good standard.

St Andrews Methodist Church, Durham was recently awarded a grant by NHCT for £10,000 to go towards the refurbishment of toilets. St Andrews Methodist Church was opened in 1983 for community and religious use. The mission and vision of the church is not only to support church members but to outreach to local residents. Over recent years with the decline of congregations the building is used more for community groups for both weekly, monthly and occasional use. Statistical data shows that we have 250 local residents using the church hall each week. The Church hires out the building which brings in income but the downside to this is the facilities are needing to be modernised. However, due to increase in people using the building the toilets are in poor condition and need a revamp. We did install a disabled toilet several years ago and that has no maintenance issues.

The church was recently awarded a grant of £15,000 to go towards repairs to the roof, bell tower and pointing. The church is in the Early English style. It was built just north of the site of a 12th century Norman Chapel and a smaller church also called St Nicholas which was built in 1665 and demolished to make way for a larger church capable of accommodating 500 worshippers. This was when the agricultural village of Cramlington expanded from under 300 to over 3,000 in a 50 year period with the influx of miners when 6 mines were sunk in and around Cramlington. Land and mine owners, a £170 grant from the Church Building Society and donations from mine workers, paid for church which cost £3,000. The church was designed by John Dobson and the building overseen by Austin and Johnson, Architects of Newcastle. The church has many attractive features: renowned stain glass, fine carvings and a history of worship and support in the local community. It remains the parish church and is valued by many residents as their church. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £8,034 to go towards the conservation of a Victorian stained-glass window. St Mary’s, a late 19th century “tin church” within the Parish of Embleton, was originally erected as a mission room for the village of Low Newton by the Sea. Its original flexible wooden seating and prefabricated structure remain characteristic features. Evening services were held there from the 1890s, and in 1902, it became Newton Mission Church, with Holy Communion first celebrated in November 1903 and the first baptism the following month. The building served both as church and village hall until a separate hall was built after the First World War. When that hall closed in 1996, the church again became a focus for village meetings and community events. The church was re-roofed in 1994, and significant interior adaptations over the years include disabled access and toilet. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £15,000 to go towards the replacement of the chancel floor. The church is set back from the road amidst a large, biodiverse churchyard, that was closed on October 21st, 1990. It is in the Gothic style, and was built under the patronage of the Bishop of Durham, William Van Mildert in 1832, at a cost of £700. Evidence of the support given by the Stobart family (the principal landowners and colliery owners of the time) can be found in dedications in one of the church windows, and the church clock. The chancel was rebuilt in 1866-7 by J. Ross of Darlington, who also restored the church and removed the original gallery over the nave. There was a further restoration in 1901. The churchyard holds the village War Memorial and Commonwealth War Graves. The church was reordered in 2017, and a new toilet/kitchen extension was added, along with a PA/audio-visual system with 2 screens in the nave, and a new heating system. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £12,500 to go towards the removal and replacment of a roof. The building we are using has suffered from a badly designed roof for years and is now in such a state that repairs are no longer feasible and a complete new roof is needed. The building is used 6 out of 7 days a week providing a safe space for all in our community with a special focus on Families with children under 5. We run 2 successful and in demand playgroups, a community cafe, Women's groups, Job Coaching, Youth Groups and Drop-ins and support for new families by way of providing emergency baby boxes for families in need. We see on average 200 families and 80 young people, each week from our community most of whom do not engage with church or the Christian faith in any other way. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £15,000 to go towards repairs to the roof, watertables and internal decoration.  The church is a Grade 2 listed building and was built in 1848. St Mary's is one of 2 churches in the district of Alwinton with Holystone which covers an area of approximately 130 square miles. The church dates back to the 12th Century but very little remains of the Norman building. It was rebuilt in 1848. We have a very rural community and services are held fortnightly. The Post Office use the church every Monday and this is a great benefit for the locals. 

The church was recently awarded a grant of £8,000 to go towards biddle fan radiators. St Mary’s church was built in 1851 of the Early English style. The spire was added in 1871.It is built in squared ashlar with a steeply pitched Welsh slated roof. The nave is approximately 7m wide by 20m long with a north wing 4m wide and the length of the nave.The chancel is 9m long and 6m wide.The organ is a fine example of a Harrison and Harrison organ and is housed in a chamber alongside the vestry. Generally the church is in a reasonable state of repair. The interior needs repainting where water has damaged the paintwork. The problems have been resolved and we are awaiting drying out of the damaged areas. The church serves the villages of Shincliffe and High Shincliffe. It is used regularly for worship. Community events are held in the nearby church hall. There is a very successful monthly Wild Church. The church is “isolated” in a large churchyard setting meaning there are few casual visitors and for this reason it is generally kept locked. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £6,000 to go towards rainwater goods, drainage and door repairs. The church was built in the 12th century and is a grade 2 listed building. St Cuthbert's Corsenside is a small church, beautiful in its simplicity and valued by our community for its 1000 years of history and pilgrimage.

NHCT recently awarded the church £2,500 to go towards the removal and conservation of the Rose Tracery window. St. Mary's Church is situated in the centre of the small market town of Wooler which is nestled at the foot of the Cheviot Hills. The church is made from local Doddington pink-grey sandstone. It has a tower and a bell, parish room, accessible toilet facilities and clock which is still wound by hand by local volunteers. The parish church is where life's events are celebrated and commemorated through Baptism, Marriage and Funerals and with special events such as Royal celebrations or deaths, war commemorations etc. We welcome Pilgrims walking St. Cuthbert's Way on to Holy Island. St. Mary's is proud to host Wooler Arts Concerts with world renowned performing musical artists throughout the year. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £3,700 to go towards internal decoration following window replacement works. St Francis Church stands as a vital cornerstone of the High Heaton community, offering far more than a place of worship. Its congregation reflects the rich diversity of the neighbourhood, welcoming people of all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life, creating an inclusive spiritual home where everyone belongs. Led by a dedicated full-time Vicar, the church delivers a varied programme of services and activities, catering to the differing spiritual needs, ensuring compassionate leadership that nurtures faith and fellowship throughout the year. This commitment to the environment is formally recognised St Francis has achieved the Gold Standard of the A Rocha Award, reflecting its outstanding environmental best practice. St Francis Church is a living, breathing hub of community life, uplifting and connecting the people of High Heaton every day.

Fellside Methodist Church was recently awarded a grant by NHCT for the amount £1105 to go towards Flooring and Electrical works. This is a community based church which is inclusive to all groups. Currently we have variety of groups that use our building. We try to provide social contact opportunities with a Soup lunch every other Wednesday. There is a regular warm space coffee on a Wednesday. We also have a Share coffee morning once a month this is given over to local and national charities to fund raise with the support of the church members. There are two Brownie and one Guide group that use the building for their meetings. We also provide a location for food bank donations to be dropped off. Once a month there is a bouncy church for families with children who have additional needs. There are other community groups that use the building such as pilates, over 50's chairsize and bounce exercise.

NHCT recently awarded the church £5,000 to go towards the renewal of the floor and ancillary works. St. Francis is a simple country church situated just before the Scottish Border on the A68. Erected in 1793 its graveyard predates the Church by over a hundred years. The Church houses the Catcleugh window, which was paid for by the workers at the Catcleugh Reservoir to commemorate their co-workers who died during the construction of the dam, and depicts the labourers at their work. St. Francis is on the Pennine Way and offers refuge for hikers and others undertaking this massive walk. Although remote from Byrness Village which was built by the Forestry Commisssion in 1953 the Church is of great cultural significance to the local area. The cottage next to the Church used to be the school for the workcamp at Catcleugh and National Parks bring visitors to St. Francis during their Blackhouse Museum visits. St. Francis each year holds A Blessing of the Animals Service which villagers bring their animals along for a blessing.

The church was recently awarded a grant of £15,000 by NHCT for the replacement of a boiler.  St. Cuthbert’s Church serves the community of Peterlee, County Durham, an area with significant social and economic challenges. The church is situated within a large and active parish which features high levels of deprivation, serves a population in excess of 20,000 and is an established focal point for both spiritual life and practical community support. The church buildings are not only a place of worship, but also a vital hub for community activities. In addition to regular worship, the Church and its Parochial Church Council hosts. They also provide hospitality and support to homeless people who have camped within the church grounds and we have worked with relevant agencies to signpost these homeless persons to organisations who can identify a permanent housing solution. In addition, the church is actively developing its heritage profile to broaden community engagement.

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £15,000 to go towards Roof Replacements. Its congregation is drawn mainly from the town on both sides of the Tweed. In addition to regular services and special services of civic importance, the church has a strong musical tradition and hosts numerous cultural and heritage events, including concerts, recitals, exhibitions, literary talks. Open to the public every day, it receives an estimated 4,000 visitors a year. In 2027, the church will be celebrating 375 years since its opening and numerous events are planned, many in association with local schools including the two church primary schools in the parish, with which the church has a strong connection. The National Churches Trust's 'House of Good' calculation estimates the value of the church's contribution to the community at £1.14m per annum in social value

NHCT recently awarded St Paul's Church, Spennymoor a grant of £15,000 to go towards stonemasonry works. The church is a Grade 2 listed building and situated prominently within the town and enjoys a pivotal role in its community, regularly hosting weddings, baptisms and funerals. The church congregation engages in an active calendar of events in addition to its regular worship services. Particular highlights include our community family events held up to four times per year, a summer holiday club and the annual Christingle carol service, which has been run at both 4pm and 6pm since 2023 due to the growth in attendance exceeding the capacity of the building.

All Saints Church was recently awarded a grant of £15,000 to go towards the repair of pointing, water tabling and brickwork. It has held a central and supporting role for worship and life events in the Lobley Hill Community since its building in 1939. At a PMC event open to the community, evidence gathered showed that All Saints is important to the community for baptisms, marriages and funerals. Local people see All Saints as a caring, welcoming, non judgemental place for Christian worship, prayer, support, learning and acceptance regardless of personal circumstances. We have a growing Sunday School and Youth group. We are increasingly reaching out into the community with our bereavement group, involvement in the Two's Company initiative, a foodbank collection point, very popular Pay As You Feel Cafe and Warm Space, use of the Church space by National Citizen Service and a local children's drama group. In the last 12 months we have initiated a regular Community Meeting group and installed a Defibrilator. 

NHCT recently awarded St John the Evangelist, Nenthead, Alston a grant of £10,000 to go towards the repair of pointing, water tabling and stonework. St John's Nenthead is the highest parish church in England siting at 1460ft above sea level. It is one of six churches in the Parish of Alston Moor and was built in 1845 by the London Lead Mining Company to serve the Nenthead mining community. Mining has long since finished with tourism and farming/shooting now the main local industry. The church serves a small regular congregation for two Morning Prayer and one Eucharist services each month plus weekly Friday Evening Prayer services with larger numbers attracted to special festivals and occasional music events/concerts. The church is open 24 hours, 7 days a week and gets a small but steady stream of locals plus domestic and foreign visitors (from as far away as New Zealand and Australia) who (as evidenced by comments in the visitors book) appreciate the peace, solitude and also enjoy viewing local community and school art work on display.

NHCT recently awarded St Giles Church, Chollerton, Hexham a grant of £4,500 to go towards a Loop and Sound System for the church. St Giles church is a Grade 1 listed building and is set between the communities it serves, and is much visited by locals, walkers and those interested in Roman remains due to the full height Roman pillars in the nave. The church has a toilet and a small kitchen and is used for some community events, eg the visit of the MP, and occasional concerts, but is hampered by the lack of a sound system. The Church of England Aided School uses the church for services and for educational visits. There are a number large funeral services as the churchyard serves several parishes. Many people visit the churchyard all the year round.

NHCT recently awarded St Andrew’s Church, Roker, Sunderland a grant of £15,000 to go towards repointing, repairing Porch roof and rainwater pipes.  The church is an important Grade 1 listed building known as the "Cathedral of the Arts and Crafts movement." Built by funding from Sir John Priestman it features a Burne Jones tapestry, early english plain glass, stained glass by A.H. Payne, William Morris carpet, lettering by Eric Gill, mural by MacDonald Gill and designed by Edwin Prior. After nearly £1m. being spent on the church between 2011 and 2018 we now have further water ingress problems in the tower.

NHCT recently awarded St James's Church, Riding Mill a grant of £5,000 to go towards an external ramp and step-up to North-East door. The church is Grade 2 and lies in a beautiful rural setting of the Tyne Valley, some 20 miles west of Newcastle. The church building is in the heart of the village between a wooded hillside and the March Burn and close to the Church of England First School. Working together the church and village community have enhanced, in a very positive way, the life and strength of the parish as a significant part of Riding Mill village. The church family is strong and vibrant in its journey of faith. In the current and future strands of this journey we are seeking to: • Sustain and empower the congregation in their journey of love with God • Build on and develop the relationship between the church and the wider parish community • Grow the faith community in Riding Mill • Connect the parish more effectively with the wider world, including the Corbridge Deanery, other parts of the Diocese, and beyond.

Holy Trinity Church was recently awarded a grant of £12,000 to go towards the creation of a new kitchen and upgrade toilets to provide disabled facilities. The church is Grade 2 and is known as the "Church on the Hill", is a historic Anglican church with roots back to the 12th century. • Worship/Pastoral Care: It provides a range of Anglican worship services, including those with a rich tradition of organ and choral music, and offers extensive pastoral care, including home and care home visits, and a bereavement/community support group for vulnerable members of the community. • Community Hub: It acts as a central meeting place, hosting various fellowship and activity groups such as a Mothers' Union, a Craft Group, a Flower Group, a Walking Group (Trinity Trekkers), and a lively Parent/Toddler Group, fostering friendship and belonging. • Life Events: The church is a key location for major life events, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals, supporting families through significant moments. 

Holy Saviours Church, Tynemouth was recently awarded a grant of £5,000 from NHCT to go towards the installation of new church boilers. The church is a Grade 2 listed building and is located at the heart of the community with a vibrant worship life and active community programme and outreach including support groups for older people, toddler groups, high level of involvement with the local school and use as a concert venue.

Church of Our Lady and St Columba, Wallsend was recently awarded a grant of £15,000 from NHCT to go towards Roof Repairs. The church is a Grade 2 listed building. Its distinctive brickwork, copper roofing and crafted oak doors make it one of the finest mid century churches in the diocese. This prominence is rooted in community sacrifice: when the parish set out to build the church, local working families contributed weekly “brick money,” later fundraising again for the marble, mosaics and craftsmanship that define the building today. The church stands as a testament to shared pride, resilience and collective ownership. St Columba’s remains a vital centre of community life. It hosts Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Thursday coffee mornings for older residents, and social groups such as the Wallsend Flower Club, ballroom dancing and karate, helping reduce isolation and support wellbeing.

Newcastle Cathedral was recently awarded a grant of £15,000, from NHCT to go towards Roof Repairs. The Cathedral is a Grade I listed building and a fundamental part of the history of Newcastle, with our commissioning as Cathedral being part of what made the ‘toon’ officially a city. The Cathedral’s iconic Lantern Tower historically guided ships to safety up the river; today we continue to work to be a place of safety and sanctuary for our community. We do this through multiple strands of work: - The exploration and celebration of our faith through services, commemoration, study groups, and theological discussion. - Our Lantern Project works with the city’s vulnerable and disenfranchised, actively inviting them into the Cathedral as a safe space to rest, seek support, and reconnect with the city’s services. - Our music programmes offer high quality musical making and development opportunities. - Our community and learning strands work with schools and community groups.

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £10,000 to go towards the refurbishment of kitchen and store room. The church has been at the heart of the community, offering support, for over 100 years. The current building opened on 22/11/1986. An older congregation struggled to fill the many roles required to run a Church. After prayerful consideration and discussions with Strathmore Road Methodist Church, the two churches merged on 1/09/2019 becoming one Church operating on two sites. Covid followed shortly afterwards stalling the benefits of the merger for a couple of years. For the last three years the church has focussed increased time and resources in Chopwell reaching out to the community in new ways. Relationships have been built and strengthened with the Chopwell regeneration group, the school, other community groups and businesses. The church now offers a weekly Warm Welcome space serving refreshments and soup lunches.

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £15,000 to go towards the replacement of single glazed windows with double glazed units.

St Mary's was built in the basilica style and is the parish church of Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. It is a community resource providing meeting space for community as well as religious purposes and is a charity in its own right.

NHCT recently awared the church a grant of £9,555 to go towards the installation of 3 No. Air Sourced Heat Pumps to supply 5 No. Internal Heaters. Situated at the southern end of the village, this historic site has been home to a church since the 13th century. The present Grade II* listed building, completed in 1884 and designed by Newcastle architect William Hicks, features fine roof carvings by renowned master carver Ralph Hedley. Surrounded by homes and close to the village war memorials, the church is open daily and offers a peaceful setting for residents and visitors and is an active and valued presence in the village. The church and its churchyard form an important green space at the heart of the community. The churchyard, open at all times, is valued by dog walkers, family historians, and those seeking peace. 

NHCT recently awarded St Mary’s Church a grant of £8502 to go towards the Installation of 8 No. Vector Bar Heaters. The church is a Grade II listed building, is embarking on a transformation project to become a festival church and multifunctional hub for Piercebridge and its rural surroundings. Although worship primarily occurs in Coniscliffe, this initiative aims to serve as a community lifeline, providing a gathering point and combating isolation, a growing concern, particularly among the elderly. The project seeks to enhance St Mary’s usability by installing essential modern facilities, including a kitchen, restroom, and flexible seating, while preserving its historic charm. These improve, events will enable the church to host diverse activities, such as: civic and community meetings, cooking demonstrations focused on nutritious, affordable meals for those in need, heritage events celebrating Piercebridge’s Roman and Civil War history, talks and literacy events on health and specialized interests and seasonal gatherings.

St Cuthbert’s Church was recently awarded £10,000 to go towards a new Energy Efficient Heating and Lighting System.  The church plays a varied role in the community, serving as a meeting place. They have been at the heart of our community for more than 850 years. They are an outward-facing church with an overarching aim to be accessible to all people and to utilise the church building for the benefit of the entire community. The building is a sized Grade I Listed, described by Simon Jenkins as a “Mini Durham Cathedral” . At least six active Groups, supported by both congregation members and other community members, enrich the life of the church. 

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to St Aidan’s Church, Billingham for Repairs to South Nave Roof and Solar Panels Installation. St Aidan's is the largest, most central and most useful/versatile. It is an unlisted, plain brick building in keeping with the surrounding late 1950s housing estate which surrounds it. The building, although well-loved and cared for, is of no particular architectural distinction, and was not designed by an architect of note. The church complex has been extended and improved over time so that it now consists of a large, simple rectangular nave, accessed through a glazed screen from a large lobby with toilet facilities an adjacent 'Lady Chapel' only slightly smaller, able to be opened up as additional seating when required a substantial hall, which is well used by community groups as well as the church, and also incorporates the parish office a connecting set of rooms including a lounge and kitchen.

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £7,500 to Jesmond Methodist Church. Jesmond Methodist Church (JMC) is a friendly and accessible church for all in the vibrant heart of West Jesmond. Our prayer is that everyone who comes to or visits JMC encounters God’s transforming love. As a church, we believe that we are so much more than just a Sunday morning. We offer a warm welcome to all members of our surrounding community: established residents, young professionals and families (some from overseas), students, asylum seekers and the homeless. Loneliness is a common theme across these groups. We strive to help and support our community in a safe, warm and friendly environment, by opening up our building to provide events open to all. We run mens’ and women’s groups, student groups, a weekly “create space” craft and puzzles morning and are regular contributors to the annual Jesmond Community Festival. We estimate we currently reach 150 people per week, but hope to increase this incrementally to 300. 

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to St Peter's Church, Humshaugh, Hexham for Roof Works. St Peter's is a Greek Revival Style church designed by HH Seward for the Greenwich Commissioners for chaplains retiring from the Royal Navy. It is formally recognised in the Humshaugh Neighbourhood Plan as a crucial local community facility. It has been an integral part of village life for over 200 years, regularly used for christenings, weddings and funerals. As well as a regular worshipping community, special services can attract large congregations: the annual Carol Service is enjoyed by 150 or more. The church is open every day and extends a welcome to residents and visitors (from all over the world!) alike. It provides a quiet and reflective place, much appreciated according to comments in the visitors book. 

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £6864 to St Mary’s Parish Church, Cockerton, Darlington for Repairs to Bell Tower and Repairs to Roof/Wall Joint above the Lady Chapel. St. Mary's is the parish church for the largest parish in Darlington and is at the heart of the thriving local community of Cockerton, occupying a prominent position on the village green. As well as various weekly services, it has a close link with the adjacent primary school who have weekly worship in the church. The church is popular with local families for weddings and baptisms as well as many funeral services.

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £5008 to Whitehall Methodist Church, Gateshead to Replace Space Gas Heater and Repair Stained Glass Panels in Entrance Doors. Built in 1896 to serve a then growing residential area it continues to be an important community centre at the heart of the local area. The church has a number of Arts and Crafts features and a connection to the Reverend William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army who was a minister in the church when it was previously located in central Gateshead before it relocated to follow the movement of the population. There is a growing church congregation of overseas families with children meeting for worship every week. A number of groups use the premises during the week the principal one being a well respected charity, Peace of Mind, providing vital, and sometimes urgent, support to needy families and individuals.

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to St Nicholas Church, Bishopwearmouth for a New Boiler. The Church was designed by Donald McIntyre and believed to be the only church consecrated during the Second World War. Building is of steel and brick construction and is unchanged with no alterations. We have the largest single collection of Sunderland produced stained glass in the traditional method. Designed and installed by Leonard Evitts. Worth a visit. Our community like our building very well and is a source of identity and interaction. We are open for weekday and Sunday services Messy Church and on other occasions for people to come and join or for a quiet space.we also have visiting choirs and have various concerts throughout the year. We interact with local schools who along special need schools visit us for various activities. 

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £8,000 to St Cuthbert's Church, Sately for a New Boiler/Heating System. The church is a Grade II listed stone church with tower in a widespread rural parish in north west County Durham. The nave of the church dates from the late 1700s with a tower and chancel added in the 1800s. The immediate village of Satley consists of around 50 houses with the parish encompassing several smaller villages and hamlets. The church and church hall, situated next door, are very important to the community, even to people who don’t regularly come to worship. The church and hall are used regularly for worship, and also children’s events: nativity play, Christmas parties etc. In the hall we have regular social events, craft evenings, bingo and an exercise class for the community. Without the church there would be no public space for the community.

NHCT recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to St James Church for an Accessible Toilet and a Servery Area. The church is unlisted and the Parish of Burnopfield was formed in 1871. The church of St. James (the Greater) followed in 1873. Prior to this our parish was part of the Ancient Chapelry of Tanfield. This Chapelry stretched from South Stanley in the south to the river Derwent in the north and from Andrew,s House in the east to Powburn in the west. In 1863 the Lintz Colliery Company opened a school for children of its workers, for a number of years the school was used to hold regular services for the Burnopfield community. By 1871 the growth of the population and the number of people attending the services in the school it became impractical to hold services at the school and the church was built. The church has been at the centre of the community. The church provides monthly communion for the local care home and holy communion for those who are housebound. 

St Philip and St James Church in Tow Law was recently awarded a grant of £8,000 from NHCT to go towards Repairs to Roof, Guttering and Pointing. The church is Grade 2 and is of stone construction with a slate roof. Whilst attendance at Sunday service is relatively small the church does lie at the heart of the community. This is evidenced by the frequent use of the church for baptisms and funerals. A recent funeral saw attendance in excess of 200 people. In the coming weeks the funerals of two young people will be at church and large congregations are expected at both services. This clearly demonstrates how the community of Tow Law do value the church at its heart. There is a church hall adjacent to the church which is well used including brownies and rainbows who meet weekly. Also, an Art & Craft group meet weekly with membership in excess of 20. The hall is also available to provide a venue to families following a funeral service.

NHCT recently awarded St John’s Church, Low Fell a grant of £10,000 to go towards a New Radiant Heating System. The church is Grade 2 dating from 1825, situated on a raised site visible from across Gateshead. Built under the Commissioners Act of 1809, it features a striking spire that serves as a local landmark and symbol of continuity for the community. The church recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to serving as a spiritual and social anchor in one of Gateshead’s most deprived neighbourhoods. With over a third of residents living alone and high levels of income deprivation, St John’s plays a vital role. It is a registered “Place of Welcome,” part of Gateshead’s Warm Spaces scheme, and hosts weekly gatherings with refreshments and conversation. The church also supports a wide variety of users including yoga, judo, concerts, school visits, and pastoral events such as funerals and baptisms. Our installation of a new radiant heating system will allow us to reopen the space year-round.

Heaton Baptist Church in Heaton, Newcastle was recently awarded a grant from NHCT of £10,000 to go towards various works including Stonework and New Doors, Ladies Toilet Refurbishment, Replastering, Shower Cubicle and Underpinning.  The church is unlisted and is one of the largest churches in East Newcastle upon Tyne, catering for 200 congregants each Sunday, and a further 250 each week at community-focussed activities. The church has played a significant role within the community since it was founded in 1896.

NHCT recently awarded St Mary's Church at Belford £10,000 to go towards New Paving, Handrail, Lighting and Removal of Pews. The Church is Grade 2 and was rebuilt to a design by John Dobson the Newcastle neoclassical architect. It consists of a four-bay nave, a west tower with a south porch, and a chancel with a north vestry. The West Tower rises unbroken in four stages, with paired stepped buttresses at the western angles, which change to octagonal section at mid-heights, at which they are joined by octagonal buttresses at the eastern angle as well. The two lower stage of the tower has an added porch on the south, and a square headed window of two trefoil-headed lights on the west. The second stage has a two-light window with Y-tracery on the south and a blind broad lancet. The third stage has a moulded stone roundel for a clock face on south, west and north, and the belfry a tall and broad lancet on each side. Pinnacles rise considerably higher. 

St Mary the Virgin Church at West Rainton was recently awarded a grant from NHCT for £10,000 to go towards the repairs to the nave.  The church is Grade 2* and the only church left in West Rainton. It is loved by the residents of the village for its chimes, its spire and the consistency of promise it brings to everyone. It has a stunning 130 ft spire, commemorative stained glass windows, a tablet from the pyramid of Giza and a beautiful reredos created Venetian craftsman Salviatori, who also made the reredos above the altar in Westminster Abbey.

St Mary the Virgin Church, Lesbury, which is Grade 2*, was recently awarded a grant from NHCT for £10,000 to go towards roof works.  Lesbury church is very much at the heart of the community, physically and emotionally, and is the oldest existing structure in the Parish. There is first mention of it in 1147 when it was given by Eustace Fitzjohn, Baron of Alnwick, to the abbot of the new Alnwick Abbey. The tower is 13th C and a north aisle was added in 14th C. As well as providing twice monthly services for the parishioners, and a mid-week short Iona Communion service, St Mary's is well-used for weddings, baptisms and funerals. The original church in nearby Alnmouth had no churchyard and there are many Alnmouth family graves in the closed graveyard at St Mary's. With this in mind, Alnmouth Historic Society surveyed the closed graveyard at St Mary's in 2012. 

Stocksfield Baptist Church was recently awarded a grant from NHCT for £7,500 to go towards the construction of a stone and glass entranceway and ramped access.  The church is used on Sunday morning for our Sunday Worship and Lighthouse and Youth Group attracting lots of young people each week.  Every other Sunday evening it is also used by our ‘Red Bananas’ Youth Group for ages 11-18. We host regular prayer meetings and facilitate lots of Christian church ministries such as Alpha.  Beyond the regular church use, Stocksfield Baptist Church is a church that is strongly focused on serving the local community and providing a place where the thousands of local residents of Tyne Valley can meet socially and for a variety of interests. 

St Andrew’s Church was recently awarded a grant from NHCT for £10,000 to go towards roofing works.  The church is a Grade 1 Listed Building, in the centre of Heddon on the Wall. The earliest part dates from 630 AD and it retains many of its Saxon and later Norman features. It is well documented in Peter Ryder’s Reading the Fabric pp 116 to 118. St Andrew’s is a focal point for our village, serving the community in numerous ways. It is open most days and receives visitors from the village, the wider locality and overseas as we are on Hadrian’s Wall. We have active church wardens and PCC members, who support a regular worshiping congregation. St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School is closely affiliated with the church. The school attends worship in our church at least twice a term. Its staff and pupils make frequent visits to share special events like our Culture Festivals and celebrate significant times in the school year. With our neighbouring Methodist Church we hold some combined services and community events. 

Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle was recently awarded a grant of £5,000 to go towards the Replacement of Boilers.  Brunswick is Grade 2 listed and is a church with a heart for the city.  We do that by way of hosting a wide range of church and community groups in our building (a physical space) and through a ministry exercised by ordained and lay people working together, a “presence”.  Brunswick Methodist Church is a seven day a week, multi-cultural church, it has made a commitment to be a Justice Seeking Church.  This builds on a long and impactful history of engaging in social action and pursuing social justice, as far back as 1820.  It remains committed to extending radical hospitality to all.

NHCT recently awarded St Helens Church, Low Fell a grant of £10,000 to go towards a new disabled ramp, disabled toilet and kitchen.  The church is Grade 2* and was built in 1876 by the Joicey Family to serve the needs of Low Fell Community, and continues to serve the Community today.  It is frequently used for Baptisms, Funerals and Weddings. There is a monthly family service which is well attended.  In addition to regular church services on a Wednesday and Sunday our Church is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.00 till 4pm for private prayer, quiet time, and visitors.  The Church is also used for musical events during the year, examples are Choirs and recitals.

NHCT have recently awarded Penshaw All Saints Church a grant of £10,000 to go towards a Three Phase Electric Supply and Pew Heating System.  Penshaw All Saints Church is a Grade II listed building at the heart of its community, providing both spiritual and practical support to local families. With a congregation of 42, the church extends its mission beyond worship, actively engaging in seasonal community events such as scarecrow and Easter trails, carol services with uniformed groups, and harvest festivals with local schools. These activities foster intergenerational connections and bring together families, children, and the elderly. A crucial part of All Saints’ outreach is its support for the local food bank, assisting families in financial hardship with essential supplies and meals. Without heating, the church struggles to provide a welcoming and functional space, limiting its ability to serve vulnerable groups.

NHCT have recently awarded St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Whalton a grant of £7,500 to go towards Masonary Works to East Face of the Tower and the Roof. St. Mary Magdalene's Church, Whalton, is a grade I listed medieval church building displaying the evolution of a well-developed C13 church from a Norman core.

NHCT have recently awarded St George's a grant of £15,000 for Guttering works.  St George's was designed by the internationally renowned architect John Loughborough Pearson and completed in 1884. Pearson's other works include Truro Cathedral and St John's Cathedral Brisbane. It is the only Grade 1 listed building in North Tyneside and is a prominent local landmark on the sea front. St George's has a large and active congregation with services on Sunday and during the week. Church music is a key part of the St George's tradition - there is a highly competent choir led by a Director of Music with this tradition benefiting from the nationally renowned TC Lewis organ. The church is a community asset being linked to Scout and Guide groups and links with local schools and the local RNLI lifeboat station. St George's provides a focus for social life including for elderly people and those vulnerable to loneliness. St George's is open daily for private prayer and reflection. 

NHCT recently awarded St Mary the Virgin Church, Longframlington a grant of £10,000 to go towards the costs of Roof Repairs. The church lies in the heart of the village. It has stood there since the late twelfth century and until 1891 was a chapel of ease to Felton. Since that date it has been an independent parish. The church was carefully restored in the late nineteenth century retaining its find Norman chancel arch. In 2012 an extension was added to the north side of the church to provide a modern community space to comply with legislation with regard to disabled access and issues of insulation. St Mary's is in a rural community of approximately 1360 (2021 census figure) within the village and many outlying farms. Further homes are being built. There is a URC church on the edge of the village but other facilities are more than 3 miles away.

NHCT recently awarded St Aidan's Church a grant of £8,000 to go towards works to Bells Frame and Headstock repairs.  St. Aidan’s Church is a listed Grade II Inclusive registered building with a purpose-built community kitchen which stands in a prominent position in Hartlepool on one of the town’s busiest junctions. It is a red brick Victorian building, designed in the early English style and was dedicated in 1890. The tower with eight bells was dedicated in 1911. There is a clock in the tower that is seen by the council as important to the town of Hartlepool to the extent they financially support its maintenance. The organ is in original condition and over 100 years old and has an historic organ certificate at Grade II* by The National Pipe Organ Register. There is a particularly beautiful, striking reredos. The stained-glass windows date between 1897 and 2016 and are mainly dedicated to former clergy and parishioners, and are of various styles reflecting the dates they were installed. The main outreach in the community is the Thursday Kitchen. 

The Church of Ascension at Easington Colliery was recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to go towards the costs of repairs to the roof.  It is situated in the heart of Easington Colliery, plays a crucial role in our community, not only as a place of worship, but also as a hub for various community services and activities. This Church has ambition, to not only continue in its support, but to grow and reach all those in need. Easington is a place with considerable deprivation but also strength of character and is a place immortalised in the film ‘Billy Elliott’. We have a particular focus on supporting schools, young families, and toddlers through various initiatives. Each week, through the use of our church hall, we host a food bank and kitchen, providing hot and wholesome meals for around 60 people in need. We also deliver takeaway meals to those who have conditions preventing them from leaving their home, thus ensuring no one in our community is excluded. 

NHCT recently awarded St John the Evangelist Church, Chopwell a grant of £10,000 to go towards the costs of electrical works. Built by the miners of the village the church of St John the Evangelist has stood and watched over the village of Chopwell for 200 years. Over the generations our church has not just been a place for pray and worship, but friendship, refuge, support and charity. Through our doors we welcome people from the Cambrian Dilston College for young people with autism and refugees from Ukraine. Our outreach program supports the People’s Kitchen in Newcastle for the homeless and the elder generations of Chopwell’s community who live in supported accommodation in the village and with numerous opportunities to come, we must look and plan for the future.

St Wilfrid’s Church, Kirkharle is Listed Grade 1 and was recently awarded at grant of £10,000 by NHCT to go towards the improvement of access by installing a handrail and lighting. It dates back to the 12th century when it was linked to Blanchland Abbey, St Peter’s Bywell and St Andrews Heddon. Most of what you see today dates to the 14th Century. The building has experienced many ups and downs in its fortunes, several times falling into disrepair only to be restored by local landlords and parishioners. The building contains many interesting features such as a font dating back to 15th/16th century, Aubrey, Sedilia and Piscina all dating back to 14th Century, a beautiful Irish Oak hammer beamed roof, and large clear glass windows making the building beautifully light. St Wilfrid's is part of the Benefice of Kirkwhelpington, Kirkharle, Kirkheaton and Cambo. In recent years, thanks to the development in 2000 of Kirkharle Courtyard Creative Arts Centre,  many people began to visit the historic Church where Capability Brown was baptised.

NHCT have recently awarded the church the amount of £10,000 to go towards the costs of repairing the floor in the entrance to Lady Chapel that has collapsed.  It is thought that the earliest church on the site dated back to around 800AD and the current structure was last extended in about 1913. The pews accommodate 260 comfortably and the chancel has choir stalls for 28 and two priest’s stalls. The Lady Chapel accommodates twelve for small services and is a valued additional communion point. There is an ample vestry with ante-room along with a choir vestry. There are two toilet facilities. We have regularly maintained gas central heating and a lighting system installed six years ago. The churchyard extends to about five acres and in addition to maximising for our own use we try to encourage community use of the space, and for public outreach. It is a closed churchyard with nearly 1000 burials dating back to the early 1700s. The area immediately surrounding the church building is maintained by church volunteers. 

St Ives Church, Leadgate was recently awarded a grant of £10,000 to go towards the stabilisation of the East Chancel Wall. Leadgate St. Ives Church holds a unique place in the region's history. It is the earliest lasting example of work by the architect Fowler and the only church in the North dedicated to St. Ives, being likely Saint (Ivo) of Ramsey. The dedication of our church to St. Ivo of Ramsey is deeply symbolic and historically significant. St. Ivo is purported to be a Persian migrant, found his way to the British Isles and became known for his charitable deeds and wonder-working, with possible connections to Alfred the Great Having a dedicated congregation, Leadgate St. Ives Church is deeply committed to supporting our local community. We collaborate with both the state and Roman Catholic schools, as well as the SEN college, to provide a space for educational and religious activities. Our church serves as a contingency venue for the Roman Catholic school, creating an ecumenical link and fostering greater community cohesion. 

St Giles Church, Birtley, Hexham have recently been awarded a grant of £2,500 from NHCT to go towards the cost of Minor Roof Repairs/Masonary Work.  The only place of worship in the parish of Birtley, with a population of 150. Regular church services, twice monthly, with holy communion and morning worship. Baptisms, marriages and funerals. The church is in good repair, and requires external works in accordance with the latest Quinquennial Inspection.

NHCT have recently awarded St Michael and All Angels Church, Low Warden, Hexham a grant of £10,000 towards Roofing Repairs and Conservation.  The large Grade 1 listed church is built on a key site central in the rural hamlet of Low Warden, with its restored Anglo Saxon tower visible as a landmark to the many visitors who walk and cycle the popular local trails, and a strong familial place of worship and rest for residents in the Warden Parish . Within its church yard there are two further listed historic assets. The small community works hard to upkeep the attractive historic building , valuing it for their own reasons but knowing that having lost the Vicarage and Parish Hall it is a key asset in the Parish which can be used for other social events and gatherings.

St Aidan's Church, Thockrington, Hexham has recently been awarded a grant of £3,000 from NHCT to go towards the costs of Guttering and Repointing.  Pevsner described the church as ‘high up and solitary’. Perched on the crest of an outcrop of the Whin Sill, its encircling village was cleared in the nineteenth century; its resolute resilience is articulated by the substantial offset buttresses, which characterise its profile on the skyline, and plain interior. One of the oldest churches in Northumberland, it is one of only three with a tunnel-vault chancel; the C13 font survives within a nave ‘Victorianised’ by windows, porch and vestry. It is unique in Northumberland in having a prebendary connection to York Minster; the 800th anniversary of the continuing association will be celebrated in June 2026. William, Lord Beveridge, author of the 1942 social welfare report known by his name, worshipped at the church and is buried in the churchyard. His grave attracts a steady flow of visitors (some might describe themselves as ‘pilgrims’). 

NHCT have recently awarded St Cuthbert's Church, Benfieldside a grant of £10,000 towards the costs of Repairs and Rendering.  The Church is a Grade II listed building within the conservation area of Shotley Bridge. It was consecrated in 1850 and designed by the architect, John Dobson in the English Gothic style with a magnificent broached spire. The main body of the Church is a buff sandstone with roughtooled, squared coursed stonework , which contrasts with fine dressings to the architectural features. The roofs are of grey slates and there are a number of fine stained glass windows. The Church primarily serves the communities of Shotley Bridge, Benfieldside, Bridgehill and Blackhill to the north of Consett. Economically this is a very mixed area with significant numbers of social housing and a large housing developments. The Church has a worshipping community of 105. In addition it is used frequently for baptisms, weddings and funerals. 

NHCT have recently awarded the Church of St John the Evangelist, Kingston Park a grant of £3,000 towards the costs of the renewal of the central heating boilers and heating control system. St John’s Church is very much at the heart of the community within Kingston Park, it started as a house group of believers it grew to the point that the building was constructed. It is a local ecumenical partnership between Church of England, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, and Baptist Church. It is the only single congregation four-way ecumenical partnership in the north of England. Having started as part of the community the church is focussed on maintaining and growing links with the local area. We offer a variety of activities as outreach to the community. 

NHCT recently awarded the church a grant of £10,000 for stonework and window replacement. The church is a grade 2* listed building and dates from 12th Century, Tower is 14th Century, Victorian upgrades and offshoots 1898. All Saints Stranton is parish church (mixed urban parish population 11,000), with two services each Sunday (average adult attendance 50+) and active children’s ministry and Youth Fellowship, also serves local and visitor community being publicly open for visits on two weekdays and at other times by prior arrangement, plus holding weddings funerals and baptisms, regular primary school RE visits (Hosting C of E Primary school and other), seasonal school services, historic interest visits, heritage open days, occasional music concerts, food bank collection point, very active and growing bell ringing group, ministry to Asylum seekers (Iranian and Nigerian).

NHCT recently awarded the church £7,000 for re-roofing the northside and southside of tower. St John the Baptist is a grade 2 listed building and the the sole remaining place of worship in Lowick. It continues to act as a focal point for life events and is open daily both for visitors and for individual prayers. After a three-year interregnum it has thrived since 2021 with enhanced attendances at Sunday Morning Worship and year on year increases in the amount of Parish Share paid. Close links have been established with the local Church of England Primary School. Providing pastoral care for people living in the parish. Holding a series of talks by prominent speakers as well as a series of House Groups which were widely publicised and open to all; The establishment of a Men’s Breakfast Group meeting monthly; The introduction of a service with prayers for Healing and a Youth service; and other events to which the wider community attended.

St Patrick's Church, High Spen, Rowlands Gill was recently awarded a grant of £7,500 from NHCT for the removal of the bell turret, capping roof and making safe the bell. 

St Patrick's church is a charming building which sits in a churchyard in a prominent location overlooking the Derwent valley. It is a much loved building in the community linked in the ecclesiastical parish to St Barnabas Church, Rowlands Gill, and midway between High Spen and Rowlands Gill.

NHCT recently awarded St Bartholomew's Church, Kirkwhelpington a grant of £5,000 to replace the chancel floor. The church is a Grade II* listed 13th century (perhaps even earlier) building with a low broad tower, long nave and chancel. It was altered in the 15th century and then again in 1895. Excavations reveal that the church originally had aisles and transepts. Extensive work was undertaken in 2002 to strengthen the tower and to relay the churchyard path to an easier gradient. In 2022 a further programme of work including lighting, redecoration of the chancel, a new carpet throughout the nave, reposition of the font and installing a servery. A WC was installed within the vestry with new drainage. This has enabled the church to become more attractive and accessible for services and events for the community, such as musical concerts, filming for Howay the Lasses, meetings and presentations, and a regular rehearsal space for musicians.​

St John's Church Killingworth was recently awarded £10,000 towards the costs of the installation of an energy efficient heating system. St.John's serves the Parish of Killingworth and it's communities of Westmoor, Palmersville, Benton Square, Holystone, Killingworth Village and Killingworth Township. It includes parts of two priority wards and has a population of c.15,000. It has regular church services, children's activities. Involvement with all five of the primary schools, George Stephenson High School and Hedley's special school includes assemblies, the 'Open the Book' programme of biblical enactments; mutual visits and presentations including Christmas carol services and heritage events. The church holds 'Worker's Memorial' and Remembrance services and hosts St.George's Day and Chairman's services for the local council. It acts as a local hub for 'The Bay Foodbank', has an 'Anna Chaplaincy' in itiative reaching out to care homes and the older generation. 

NHCT have recently awarded St. Hilda's Church, a grant of £10,000 towards replacement guttering. St Hilda’s is an inclusive church in the catholic tradition. It is valued locally and around 700 people have attended social and religious events over the last year. Strong connections with local schools, businesses and social groups (Community Forum, Women's Institute) mean they support the regular events. The Hall is used 4/5 days per week for choral music and as a rehearsal space, pre-school music and movement, Scottish and classical dancing classes, wet weather premises for young people's sports activities and Jesmond Festival and ceilidhs, amongst others. They provide a venue for the local community. They engage with regular hall users at intervals throughout the year. As the parish is heavily student occupied, they aim to continue to build on the connections made with students from the Universities. They have typical services on Tuesday and Sunday mornings and a monthly LGBTQI+ inclusive service on Saturdays.

NHCT recently awarded St Giles Church, Netherwitton, Morpeth a grant of £1,500 to go towards the replacement of the bell headstock.  The church is a Grade 2* Listed Building and was built in the 15th century but substantially rebuilt in the Victorian era. The font is 13/14 century.

St Giles Church serves the parish community of Netherwitton and the surrounding rural area. It is a member of the Upper Wansbeck Group of churches.

NHCT recently awarded St Bede's Church at South Shields a grant of £10,000 to go towards a new roof.  The church is a Grade 2 Listed Building and was built in 1874.

The church occupies a prominent position close to the town hall and high street, and it’s imposing architectural design places it at the heart of the community. The church is located in one of the most deprived areas of the Northeast and ranks high on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). The parish has welcomed a growing Catholic community since the 19th century and continues to provide spiritual and emotional support through pivotal life phases to an increasingly diverse population. Furthermore, the church stands as a reflection of our Catholic beliefs and traditions and has significantly contributed to the shaping of collective and individual identity within the local community. Rich in over a century of heritage, it serves as a stark visual reminder of the past whilst offering an accessible space in the present for continued worship, and community gatherings.

NHCT recently awarded St Cuthbert's Church, Allendale a grant of £5,000 to go towards restoration of stonework, replacement of rotten timber lintels in church porch and re-pointing. The church is a Grade 2 Listed Building and was built in 1804.

Restored in 1873 by Austin & Johnson with extra floors to tower, a full peal of bells and four clock faces. There is a centre nave with 2 side aisles, and behind the altar an elaborate alabaster and mosaic reredos. A well maintained organ is in regular use which supports a small and enthusiastic choir. The church is situated in the corner of the village market place, has a chiming clock for the benefit of the community and an active group of bellringers who ring for sunday services. Funerals are often well attended village affairs providing comfort for many. The community also attends the annual remembrance and Christingle services, whilst the church runs monthly coffee mornings and hosts music events.

St John's Church, Westerhope was recently awarded a grant of £2,500 by NHCT to go towards repointing and replastering works.  The church is unlisted and was built in 1866.

St John's Church lies in the Anglican diocese of Newcastle and is the parish church for the community of Whorlton and Westerhope. The church, and its congregation, has been a centre of worship and of service since 1866. Our congregation numbers are typically 25 - 35 for Sunday Services. We hold regular baptisms and around 5 weddings per year as well as 5 -10 funerals per year. Our church has close relationships with our local schools and is integrating the development of new housing around the church. Our church hall is in regular use.

NHCT have just awarded St Luke the Evangelist, Wallsend church a grant of £5,000 for repointing at the church.  The church is a Grade 2 Listed Building and was built in 1885.

The church is in the centre of the town, and is very visible just off the High Street, and was known as "The Shipyard Church" , the connection of course, with Swan Hunter's down the road, and Sir G B Hunter was a major benfactor in the building of the Church. The building is widely used for baptisms/weddings/funerals/concerts and the rear of the listed part of the building is used by History Society, Mothers Union, Walking With ( Asylum and Refugee Project) , Community Choir, OAP weekly Luncheon CLub.

NHCT recently awarded St Mark's Church, Chapel Bank, Ninebanks, Hexham a grant of £1,300 to go towards handrails for Infirm and Disabled access.  The church is Grade 2 Listed Building, built in the 18th. century and rebuilt in 1870s.

St Mark's is the church for the small rural village of Ninebanks, part of the West Allen Parish of Whitfield with Ninebanks within the benefice of Allendale. The church has long served its community, with services held monthly and on special occasions, and the natural place for funerals etc. It sits alongside the Church and Community Hall which provides the only social meeting place in the village.

St Nicholas with Christ Church in Gateshead was recently awarded £5,000 by NHCT to go towards new lighting. St Nicholas Church Dunston is at the heart of the community with a population of 10,000 people. It plays a significant part in the life of the local primary and secondary schools and is actively involved in the care homes in the community. The Church is central to baptisms, weddings and funerals. It also has a charity shop which helps the local community as a social hub.

NHCT have just awarded St Mary the Virgin Church at Stamfordham a grant of £10,000 to go towards the works to underpin the tower bulge.  The church is a Grade 1 Listed Building. St Mary's is a largely Norman church, extensively restored in 1848 by Benjamin Ferrey. There was an early medieval Saxon church here in C8. An arch from this building can be seen in the Norman medieval tower, built in C13. The nave contains the armorial banner and desk of Lord Stamfordham and Lord Adeane's banner. The beautiful east windows are 19th century Kempe stained glass. The tower is 13 Century and has a serious bulge in the masonry which needs urgent pinning. We have 3 precious painted wall memorials dating back to 1744 which are fading before our very eyes. We are addressing damp issues but need funding to enable the conservation work to be done asap. There are many interesting relics both in the structure and in monuments, of both the C13th . There is a finely carved, waterleaf capital to one of the columns at the west end.

NHCT recently awarded St James and St Basil at Fenham a grant of £10,000 to go towards toilet/kitchen facilities.  The church is a Grade 2 Listed Building. The building of the church began during the winter of 1927/28 with the generosity of Sir James Knott, a wealthy ship merchant. The church was built in memory of two of Sir James’ sons Henry (Basil) and James who were killed in the First World War. The church was designed by Edward Eric Lofting, Assistant Surveyor to the fabric of Westminster Abbey, who had been a pupil and assistant of Temple Lushington Moore (one of the leading church architects of late Victorian and Edwardian England). It is thought of as amongst the great churches of the Arts and Crafts movement. Construction took over three years, partly because the foundations were laid so thoroughly that it took one year for any sign of building appeared over the barricades but it was finally ready for consecration by June 1931. 

Northumbria Historical Churches Trust recently awarded Christ Church at Shieldfield a grant for £8,000 to go towards re-roofing and new ceilings. The church is a Grade 2* Listed Building. Christ Church is parish church serving the needs of a very diverse community from students to families from a wide range of nationalities, cultures and faiths, alongside a traditional indigenous population living within rented flats and housing. They have a Church School literally joined to the  church building (just recently rated as excellent in our SIAMS inspection, and good with OFSTED last year). Within the school and community they have a significant number of refugee and asylum seeker families, and generally within the wider community they seek to support those who are less privileged than in other parts of our city. They have good relations with the local Forum Cafe where members of the church volunteer, and support local community projects such as Dwellbeing, again supported by members of the congregation. 

NHCT have awarded St Andrew's Church at Spennymoor a grant of £5,000 to go towards the repair of the roof, guttering and downpipes. The church is a Grade 2 Listed building.

St. Andrew's Tudhoe Grange is the Anglican Parish Church for the eastern half of Spennymoor. The parish has an expanding population of around 6000 and includes a large portion of the town centre. The church is open every day for worship, including the Sung Mass, Mattins and Evensong every Sunday and a monthly 'Messy church' for children and families . There is a steady stream of occasional offices the church is regularly used by two local primary schools for collective worship and learning; and by Spennymoor Town Council for civic events. We provide regular holiday clubs and are in the process of setting up a playgroup and a parish nursing service.

NHCT recently awarded St Aidan's Church at Bamburgh a grant of £5,000 to go towards a new toilet and kitchen.

The church is a Grade 1 Listed Building.

The church was first built for St Aidan in 635 and rebuilt late 12th century by Augustinian canons, with the early Northumbrian history this church is of national significance. The church bell-tower provides for weekly bell-ringers. The Accessing Aidan project has a unique interactive digital ossuary of 110 Anglo-Saxon skeletons. The church is open 365/366 days per year, 10am-4pm. A shrine to St Aidan, near to where he is believed to have died, was erected in the chancel in 2013. There are weekly services, visitors from all over the world, pilgrims enroute from Durham to Lindisfarne, stained glass windows, one to commemorate Grace Darling plus a stone memorial.

The Church of Our Lady at Seaton Delaval was recently awarded £8,000 by NHCT to help with repointing works at the church. The church is Grade 1 Listed.

This heritage church has been a place of worship since Saxon times. The Normans extended the church in the 11th century and it has been used by the Delavals and local people ever since. Local families have a close affinity with Our Lady. It is popular for weddings, baptisms and funerals because of its timeless beauty and strong connection with past generations.

NHCT have recently awarded St Alban's Church at Earsdon £10,000 to go towards various works including a disabled access ramp, toilets, small kitchen and also a small office.

St Alban's is a Grade II listed church and sits prominently on the hill at Earsdon. It is very early Victorian being built in 1836-7. St Alban's is by far the largest building in the village of Earsdon and is the most notable landmark in the village, which is a conservation area. St Alban's undoubtedly contributes to the character of the village and character of the village compliments St Alban's. The church is busily in use for baptisms, funerals and school tours; weddings are sadly less frequent at the moment.

St Andrew's Church has been awarded £10,000 from NHCT for new LED lighting/Lime render plaster works/window guards.  The church is located in Haughton-le-Skerne, Darlington and is a Grade 1 listed building. 

The church has been at the heart of Haughton-le-Skerne for almost 900 years. Local people and others from further afield attend weekly services and many more regard it as a place to celebrate significant life events.

Hetton Methodist Church, Hetton le Hole was recently awarded £8000 by NHCT for window frames replacement. The Church which is commonly known as "The Miners Chapel" due to the fact it was built by the miners is a significant part of the whole community not only as a place of worship but a place of many community activities. All Civic services are normally held here too. 

St Michael and All Angels, Felton was recently awarded £2,000 by NHCT for a new efficient oil-fired boiler. Located on the Western edge of Felton, St Michael’s is the only remaining church in the village and is the focal point for all religious ceremonies in the village. In addition to regular services, it provides for baptisms, weddings, funerals and other life events. It is used daily by villagers and visitors for prayer, quiet meditation and peace.  

NHCT recently awarded Christ Church, North Shields £5,000 towards repointing Tower, repair glass and frames. Christ Church is the Parish Church of North Shields with a mixed demography. There are over 20,000 people in the Parish. The congregation supports a wide variety of activities and organisations. It is estimated over 10,000 people come through the doors in one year via baptisms, funerals, weddings and community involvement. 

St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington was recently awarded £5,000 from NHCT for Roof Works. The church was commenced in 1180 by Bishop Le Puiset and largely complete by the mid 14th century. The distinctive grandeur stems from its collegiate role which is reflected in the prominent west doorway, provided for the solemn entry of the bishop and the spacious cross plan. St. Cuthbert’s Church is an iconic landmark in Darlington at the centre of the town for over 800 years serving worship,
civic and community needs of the people. It is seen as a special and important church, including by Darlington Council and Durham Diocese, both of whom have significant interests in its livelihood and sustainability.

Church of St John the Evangelist, Otterburn was recently awarded £4,000 for Guttering Works. The Church is a prominent feature on the main A696 through Otterburn (this route runs from Newcastle up over the border in the Scotland). The foundation stone of the church was laid in September 1855 and the church dedicated in October 1857. It has served the community since then, including the Otterburn Army Training Estate, built in 1911 and for many years featuring a significant permanent presence. Close links have always been maintained with the local primary school and with residents of local sheltered and social housing.

St Cuthbert’s Church, Marley Hill was recently awarded £5,000 to remove and replace boilers. St Cuthbert’s seats 120 people and is built in the Gothic style with the original influence being the Architecture of 12th Century France. The church was registered in 1869 and the Parish of Hillside was later established in 2004 when St Cuthberts, Marley Hill and All Saints, Lobley Hill were united under one incumbent. The official title for the two churches is the Parish of Hillside and the churches
are approximately three miles apart. The church aims to maintain a Christian/C of E presence in the community of Marley Hill and Sunniside and is well used by the local community for a variety of events. 

St John The Baptist Church, Alnmouth was recently awarded £4,100 by NHCT for providing 2 handrails and remove 2 protruding pew platforms at the front of Nave (to resolve health and safety issues and improve mobility access). The church is situated on Alnmouth’s main street, Northumberland Street, and in its Conservation Area, an imposing building surrounded by the only green space on the street. It is the third Anglican church to serve the community, earlier churches dating back to 10thC being on separate sites on either side of the estuary. A traditional parish church, it was built on land given by the 6th Duke of Northumberland. It holds community events e.g. Alnmouth Arts Festival hosting concerts, workshops and art exhibitions; village Christmas Lights Switch on from Church Green; Summer fete ; concerts and recitals; information for visitors including those on pilgrim trails; away days/quiet days by other parishes.

Northumbria Historic Churches Trust recently awarded the church £3,000 to go towards roof works. The Methodist Church that supports a congregation from the villages of Warden, Fourstones and Newbrough. Apart from weekly Sunday services (sometimes shared with a federated Methodist church in a nearby town). It holds a popular mid-week Messy Vintage - service with craft activity, mainly for pensioners. It holds regular outreach coffee mornings for charitable causes and is a collection centre for Ukraine refugee donations and the local foodbank. It is an emergency refuge for the Primary School across the road and is the centre for the school's presentation days.

Holy Trinity Church was recently awarded £5,000 from NHCT to assist with the replacement of electrical distribution system/electrical heaters.  Holy Trinity church is on the highpoint of the village, next to the community orchard.
It is Grade 2 listed and built in 1842 as a landmark to be seen across the newly created parish. Holy Trinity is a Parish Church within the Benefice of Kirkwhelpington, Kirkharle, Kirkheaton and Cambo with an electoral roll of 18, with two services each month with a congregation average of 22, and a seating capacity of 100. The church is used by Cambo Primary School for end of term assemblies and for holding choral concerts.  

St Michael and All Angels Church, Esh were recently awarded £5,000 from NHCT towards the costs of roof work/repointing.  The village church in Esh dates from 1283 although it was heavily restored in 1770 and again in 1850. King Edward I attended Mass on the 10th September 1306 while on his way from Durham to Hexham and left an offering of seven shillings. The church now consists of Nave and Chancel all under the one roof, South Transept and South Porch adjoining the Nave, and Vestry on the north side of the Chancel. A small stone bellcote surmounts the West gable.

NHCT recently awarded Holy Paraclete, Kirkhaugh £6,532 towards the costs to repair the boiler house roof.  Unique in its dedication to the Holy Paraclete, a church has stood on this site since the 13th century and a Saxon Cross stands in the Churchyard. The church is well supported by the scattered local community and is used as a quiet place for meditation and often used by walkers as a refuge from the weather and somewhere to make themselves refreshments. It is a popular wedding venue and the churchyard remains open for burials.

St Andrew's Church was recently awarded £7,326 by NHCT to go towards Stained glass window repairs. The original Chapel was built in 1905 with two storeys and was extended in 1937 to add the Community Hall. The Liddell Hall was added in 1957. Older parts of the building are constructed with solid stone walls with slate roofs. The main purpose of the Church is to advance the Christian faith in our local communities in accordance with the principles and practices of the Methodist and United Reformed Churches. It does a great deal with local communities, including (but not restricted to) the elderly, the young and other groups with particular needs.

NHCT recently awarded the church £5,000 towards the cost to repoint and repair the external stonework. The church stands proudly at the heart of a historic village. Bishopton's long history can boast earthworks of a motte-and-bailey castle which lie 500 meters from the church and are a scheduled (EH) monument. St Peter's is one of four churches within the Stockton Country Parish but is the only place of worship in Bishopton - the closest church having recently closed. The church has close links with the village school and reaches out to the needs of the local community and beyond. Sunday services alternate throughout the month, meaning that each church holds one service per month. However the church is always available for life events as required and is also used for school services and for community events, eg concerts and special Xmas celebrations.

St Mary the Virgin Church was recently awarded £10,000 from NHCT for various electrical works and redecoration. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin is the parish church of Morpeth, having stood since the 12th Century, representing the traditional setting and forms of Anglican Christian worship in the town. Deterioration in the fabric of the Grade 1-listed building, and the changing needs of modern worship, make it increasingly urgent to modernise the electrical wiring, develop internet connectivity to support remote participation in worship and electronic giving, and to restore the décor of the building in all areas. Music is of central importance to the congregation, and the church building is currently used by the community for school events, weddings [rarely], baptisms and funerals.

NHCT recently awarded St Cuthbert’s church a grant of £7,500 towards a new heating system.  The church is set on a rise above the North Tyne River in the centre of the village of Bellingham. It is by far the oldest building in the village with foundations dating back to around 1180. The C17th barrel-vaulted roof is exceptional in Northumberland. There are regular services in the church and the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient church is something much loved by the congregation, the wider community and all those seeking a peaceful place in Bellingham. The heritage of the church and its connection with the Border Reivers make it important for local history. The legend of the ‘Lang Pack’ (an 18th century tale of a would-be robber whose grave is in the churchyard) features in many guides to Bellingham. The church has many visitors who come to see the unique stone roof and the nearby St Cuthbert’s (Cuddy’s) Well – a holy well said to have been blessed by St Cuthbert in the 7th century. Baptisms, weddings, and funerals are still important and well attended events and as such the church is of high significance to the local community. 

Holy Sepulchre Church was recently awarded £5,000 towards the costs for stonemasonry works to the church that are required.  Holy Sepulchre Church is a well-used place of worship in the heart of Ashington, and a beacon of hope and hospitality in a less privileged community. It is a much-loved parish church with strong clergy and lay leadership. It was built by the mining community, for the mining community in the 1800s, a fact that is still highly visible and relevant today; for example in the prominent miners chapel. The church's building is an important home to community groups, nearby school groups, concerts, and community fairs across the year. The graveyard is also home to a number of Commonwealth war graves. 

NHCT recently awarded St Peter's Church a grant of £7,500 towards upgrading the kitchen facilities at the church. St Peter’s is a Church of England parish church on Yarm Road in the south of Stockton-on-Tees. Originally situated in a wealthy part of the borough, the parish has experienced significant economic, demographic and social change since its founding in 1875. They now find themselves ministering in the context of pronounced urban poverty in an area that has also seen a large increase in asylum seekers and refugees from around the world.

NHCT recently awarded St Luke’s Church £7,500 towards the costs for repairs to the Bell Tower and Louvres, removal of flaking paint and redecoration.  St Luke's was re-established about 15 years ago as the only Charismatic Anglican Church in the centre of Newcastle. It has since been a significant space, particularly in establishing one of the region's most fruitful prison ministries, establishing a unique worshipping community made up of ex-offenders, those with a history of drug use, and others from the margins of society. After a more recent decline in numbers, St Luke's is receiving a church graft from St Thomas' Newcastle, the new diocesan resource church. A new church leader along with a small group from the St Thomas' congregation will graft into St Luke's to help sustain and revitalise the ministry there.

We are pleased to announce that Holy Trinity Church was recently awarded £5,000 towards a repointing project.  Holy Trinity is a multi-generational parish church based in Jesmond Vale and Sandyford. We seek to follow Jesus, serve and love our community. We have a weekly toddler's group, a weekly senior citizens lunch group and a monthly messy church activity. All of these activities are attended by members of the local community. Average weekly church attendance is 160.

St James’ Church was recently awarded £25,000 towards roof repairs. It has an impressive track record of serving this community, reaching many of the most vulnerable, whatever their background or beliefs. It is now open 6 days a week with hundreds of people visiting for welfare support, community cafe, art club, writing club, local history group, churchyard gardening group, asylum seeker support, and more! St James’ was built in 1833 to a design by John Dobson and is a sacred space that holds the stories of a community that has known much instability and trauma. As one of the few heritage buildings to have survived successive waves of demolition in Benwell, it is a key landmark in an area amongst the most deprived in the country.

NHCT recently awarded £10,000 to St John the Evangelist Church in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear for a new access ramp and toilet.  The Church Community was begun in 1932 to serve the then new housing being built to the north of Wallsend town centre. Originally the Church met in a hall (now the Wallsend Sea Cadet Hall) to the rear of the current Church. New housing is still being built in the parish which is primarily residential. The Church has strong links with the two state schools in the area, the Wallsend Sea Cadets, regularly welcomes local families for baptism and is developing a regular children's ministry.

St Mary Magdalene Church has recently been awarded £2949.30 for a new efficient gas boiler to replace the existing one.  The church is Grade 1 listed and built in the 12th. century. The church is central and focus point to village life. It is open for adult and children's art and craft groups, Warm Space, coffee mornings and fayres, as well as Services and Remembrance Day Services. The local church school uses the church regularly for school services such as Harvest, Easter, Christmas and Leavers Services.

NHCT recently awarded St Mungo's Church, Simonburn, Northumberland a grant for the amount of £10,000 towards the costs for works to stabilise the kempe stained glass window. St Mungo's Church is Grade 2* listed and a 13th century village church, on the edge of the village green and was the church for the Greater Parish of Simonburn, stretching down the Tyne Valley from Carter Bar to Hadrian's Wall. It is the largest building in the village and is used, in conjunction with the old School (now Village Hall) for community events and celebrations.

St Hilda's, Lucker in Northumberland was awared a grant of £8000 towards roof works, rainwater goods and re-pointing at the meeting in April 2023.  There was a church here in Saxon times, St Hilda's is the 6th to be built on this site. It is a fine Grade 2 listed building, with notable interior features - stained glass of exceptional quality and a pulpit and chancel stalls, carved in oak by local craftsmen more than 100 years ago.  St Hilda's today is active and hard at work - the focal point of a community under increasing economic pressure. Income levels in the parish are among the lowest in the Newcastle diocese; the pandemic and the cost of living crisis have been difficult. It is open to everyone, 24/365, with services twice a week. During lockdowns it maintained a prayer corner, kept safe and sanitised, every day - "Thank you for being open" appears often in the visitor's book. They are sustained by generous giving and active fund raising. 

We are pleased to announce that St John the Baptist Church in Greatham, Durham was awarded £10,000 towards various works including a new drainage system, stonemasonry repairs, repointing walls and repairs to stained glass windows. The Church is Grade II* listed, dating back to 1246, and erected over an early Saxon building. The tower was built in 1909, and the bells cast by John Taylor of Loughborough in 1931. 

St Hild and St Helen Church, Seaham has been awarded £1650 towards the cost of a new boiler installation. The church is Grade 2 Listed and was built in 1912.  The church actively supports the local community with lots of different activities, including a free wedding service and additional wedding facilities, and also helps run a Food Bank.

A grant of £5000 has been awarded to St Ives, Leadgate  towards the structural repair of chancel walls. The church is Grade 2 Listed, designed by the architect Charles Hodgson, and was built in 1865. The church is known locally as the "Miners Cathedral". The church is made of sandstone, and has a Welsh slate roof. Currently, the church is registered as "at risk " by Historic England. Inside the church, in pride of place, is the Eden Lodge banner which was, in the past, proudly paraded at the Durham.  St Ives is the primary centre for worship in Leadgate. Church services are every Wednesday and Sunday, and average attendance is around 30. For major festivals such as Harvest the numbers swell to 150 or more. 

NHCT recently awarded St Gabriel's Church, Heaton £10,000 towards new lighting/wiring.  The church is Grade 2 Listed and was built in 1899.  The church was built on land given by Lord Armstrong at a time when Heaton was expanding to meet the needs of local industry. It is constructed in snecked sandstone with Westmoreland slate.  It is an active church hosting and running many religious and community activities. 

Holy Trinity Church, Wingate, County Durham received £3000 towards window repairs. The church is Grade ll Listed and was built in 1841. A traditional Victorian parish church serving an ex-mining community, it provides an important focal point.

St Saviour’s Church Shotton Colliery received £5000 towards re-plastering. The church was built in 1854 and sits within an ex-mining community. The church is well used and acts as a hub for the local community and groups.

The Church of St Philip and St James in Kimblesworth was awarded £5000 towards repair of the roof and water table. The church was originally built in 1892-3, with the east end being extensively altered in 1929-30. The church stands on the edge of the village in a prominent position and has strong links with the community and local groups.

The Church of St Michael in Heighington, County Durham, received £2000 towards an upgrade of their lighting system. The church is Grade l Listed. Built in the 12th century ,it is a place of worship for both Methodist and Anglican communities as well as providing a focal point for the community

The Trustees of NHCT awarded All Saints Church, Lobley Hill, Gateshead £5000 towards stonework. The church was built in 1939 on land owned by the Ravensworth estate and was built in memory of the Ravensworth Liddell family. The church holds a central and supportive role in the Lobley Hill Community and it is used regularly.

St Michael and All Angels Church in Felton received £3000 towards window repairs. The church is Grade l Listed and situated in a conservation area. The original church was built in the 12th century. The North and South aisles are thought to have been constructed in the 14th century. It is the only remaining church in the village and is used regularly by villagers and visitors.

St Helen’s Church, Cornhill-on Tweed received £5000 for window conservation. The church is Grade ll Listed and is of Saxon origin, rebuilt in the 18^th century and extended in the 19^th century. The East Window, memorial to the 11^th Earl of Home, is by AO Hemming and has been noted as being of national heritage importance

The Church of St Philip and St James in Rock received £5000 towards re-wiring. The church is 12th century with Norman features. The church is currently the only building in the village available for community use.

The Trust awarded St Mary’s Church Easington £1800 towards electrical repairs. It is believed that St Mary’s is among the finest ancient churches in the county of Durham, having a stately grandeur commensurate with its status as one of the principal churches of the medieval Diocese. St Mary’s is a prominent landmark situated on high ground to the west of the old village of Easington.

The Church of St John of Beverley in Haydon Bridge received £5000 towards glass repairs. Built in 1872, it is a small well-executed ashlar church in Early English Gothic style. The east wall of the church houses a memorial three light stained-glass window depicting The Crucifixion; it is dated 1902 and signed the studio of Atkinson Bros of Newcastle. St John’s is central to the local Catholic community

St Cuthbert’s Church Allendale was awarded £4825 towards repairs to their entrance porch. Built in 1804, the church was restored in 1873 by Austin and Johnson. With a centre nave and two side aisles, it has an elaborate alabaster and mosaic reredos.

St Chad’s Church in Bensham, Gateshead received £5000 towards roof repairs. St Chad’s was consecrated in 1903 and built to a design by William Searle Hicks in a High-Victorian Gothic style with Arts and Crafts tendencies. It was built through the endowment of Emily Easton a local social philanthropist who wished to build a ‘cathedral of the working man’ for the Bensham community to equal the splendour of Durham Cathedral.

Darlington Northgate United Reformed Church received £5000 towards internal beam repairs. The Church building is Grade ll listed and was built in 1869 on a prominent position on the approach road to Darlington from the north.

Great Bavington United Reformed Church in Northumberland was awarded £4498 towards the cost of improved ventilation of the roof. The church was built around 1693, and is the second-oldest former Presbyterian church in England which is still used for worship.

Hexham Abbey received £10,000 towards Stained Glass window repairs. The Abbey is an important link in the Northumbrian chain of Christianity. Its outstanding character and association with St Wilfrid with original crypt dating back to 674AD, place it as one of the ecclesiastical jewels in the Diocese’s crown. 120,000 visitors attend the Abbey each yearly for services, heritage and quiet spaces.

St John’s Church, Whorlton which serves Whorlton and Westerhope in Newcastle, was awarded £5000 towards roof repairs. The church was built in 1866 initially as a chapel of ease to serve a congregation of 200 before eventually becoming a parish in its own right. The building, although not listed, has a unique design reflecting its evolutionary history.