A historic church is embarking on an ambitious project, which will ensure it serves the community for generations to come.
The Grade I listed St George’s Church in Jesmond dates back to 1888, with its distinctive tower visible for miles around. The neighbouring parish hall was built just a few years later and is Grade II listed.
Now St George’s has unveiled a two-phase scheme, which will extend the church from the north side, before the existing parish hall is extensively remodelled internally at a total cost of around £1,500,000.
Planning permission has already been secured for The St George’s Community Hub project, while more than £320,000 of the capital needed has already been raised thanks to generous donations, dedicated local fundraising and grants from various sources.
“This is a very exciting project for our church and the wider community,” said the Revd Debbie Loughran, vicar at St George’s.
“It has been in the pipeline for over a decade now and I am so grateful to everyone involved for their hard work in getting us to this stage.”
The subtly designed church extension (phase one) will house much needed toilets for use during services and concerts inside St George’s, as well as a tea bar where refreshments will be served. It will also accommodate the youth group and offer a safe space for young children to play and learn during worship.
The extension, which will look out onto the picturesque memorial garden at St George’s, will also include a gentle space for people to discuss bereavement care, weddings and baptisms, as well as hosting PCC meetings.
Phase two of the scheme will see the parish hall, which already hosts a multitude of community groups, undergo an extensive remodelling. The kitchen will be moved to a more central location, while significant upgrades will give access to wi-fi and plasma screen televisions. Space for students to study will be created, while discussions are being had about the possibility of a new social enterprise café.
With over half of the required funding in place for phase one, St George’s is hoping to secure further capital this calendar year, with a view to work on phase one starting next spring.
Last year’s Christmas Appeal raised £17,000 towards the total. Big fundraising events will take place this summer, including a ceilidh, Sax on the Tyne and Miley Cyrus tribute nights. Other contributions have included £15,000 from The Friends of St George’s group.
Debbie thanked her predecessors, the Revd Brian Hurst, and the Rt Revd Nick Chamberlain, for their contributions. It was Nick who envisioned the project.
Gratitude was also expressed to project manager Derek Nicholson and all involved with the Community Hub Team, along with all who have given generously of time, talents and finances to see dreams realised.