Holy Trinity, Sunderland

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Western (front) elevation

Holy Trinity is a former church in Sunderland. It was opened in 1719 as the church for the newly created Parish of Sunderland.^[1]

It is a listed building and is one of the oldest buildings in the East End of Sunderland.^[1] ^[2]

It is unknown who built the church, but what is known for sure is that Daniel Newcombe — who was appointed rector — and William Etty were involved in some of its design.^[3] ^[4] A plaque marking its Grade I listed building status credits Etty as the designer.^[5] In its early years, the building was also home to the Select Vestrymen — in effect the town council^{[citation needed]} — and the library^[5] and the mechanical fire pump.^{[citation needed]}

The church is no longer in use for worship, having closed in 1988, and is now owned by the Churches Conservation Trust.^[4]. It is also used by the Rector Gray Society and the community of Hendon and Old Sunderland during "Heritage Days".

1 History
2 Gallery
3 References
4 External links

[edit] History

1712 — Local merchants campaign for a new church to be built.
1719 — First recorded baptisms, of Primus Barwick and Mary Whiton, on July 25.
1719 — Church consecrated on September 5.
1735 — Near-circular apse with Venetian window added by Daniel Newcombe, as the church initially had no chancel. ^[6]
1803 — Gallery added.Roof reconstructed by Thomas Wilson and windows re-glazed.
1838 — Memorial erected to Revd Robert Gray, rector from 1819 to 1838.
1856 — Clockface on tower added.^[7]
1842 — Gallery extension constructed, but later removed.
1900 (circa) — Windows re-glazed for the second time.
1936 — Organ built.
1939-1945 — slight war damage.
1980s — building in need of expensive repairs.
1988 — cost of renovation and dwindling congregation cause the final service to be held on June 26, and church the closes a few days later.