A Brief History of the Northgate Church

The United Reformed Church Nationally

The United Reformed Church was formed when union took place in 1972 between the Congregational Church of England and Wales and the Presbyterian Church of England. In 1981 it was joined by the Reformed Churches of Christ.

In 1975, Darlington's Union Street Congregational Church united with St.George's Presbyterian Church to become Northgate United Reformed Church, located in the former Presbyterian church building. The former Congregationalist church in Union Street was closed at the time of union.

Early History of the church in Darlington

During the l8th century, Congregationalists and Presbyterians worshipped together (as Darlington's Independents) in a 'yard' somewhere between the Old Post Office and the King's Head Hotel (off Northgate).

Both Congregationalism and Presbyterianism had their origins in the Reformation. However in 1806 there was a secession and twelve Congregationalist members removed themselves to a room in Union Street and finally built a Bethel Church in 1812.

This eventually became inadequate and was demolished in 1862 to make way for a new Gothic-style building which housed the Congregational Church until 1975.
This building can still be seen if one enters a small alley next to Boots the Chemist.
It is now used as a carpet warehouse.

After the secession, the remaining Presbyterian element met in the Mechanics' Institute in Skinnergate, now a pub.
In 1865 these Presbyterians were granted the status and privileges of a congregation. Land in Northgate was purchased for £750 from Mr John Pease and in 1867 plans were passed and the foundation stone was laid for St. George's Church, to be built at a cost of £4,000.
Monies were raised through donations and bazaars. This building housed the Presbyterian Church until 1975 and now houses the United Reformed Church in Darlington.

Northgate Church - a Grade II listed building

The church is constructed of locally-quarried stone from Houghton Bank.
Like the Union Street church, it is Gothic in style and has a spire 120 feet (36m) high.

In 1999, the spire was found to be in need of repair due to deterioration of the internal iron structure and of the masonry. The necessary works were combined with other safety work and the cleaning of the stonework of the frontage and entire tower, revealing the original beautiful colours of the stonework and restoring to visibility much detailed carving that had been subdued by many years of grime.
External floodlighting of the spire was also introduced at this time.

The Outside

On the front of the spire is the symbol of the Presbyterians, a representation of the Burning Bush with the Latin inscription NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR (and yet it is not consumed).

Above the large window can be seen the carved stone heads of two of the great 16th century reformers, John Calvin and John Knox.

The iron railings surrounding the property are also Grade II listed.
The octagonal belfry houses a single bell, which can again be heard ringing. It was cast in 1856 in Glasgow. The bell rope was reconnected in 1992 after some considerable time of silence.

The Interior

   The Vestibule
vestibule

The layout with the glass doors was part of an alteration and modernisation plan carried out in 1975 after the URC union. A plaque on the wall commemorates this event. Other work was carried out in the church rooms downstairs. There are two sets of collection plates, one of which carries on the base the famous carved mouse mark of 'Mouseman' Robert Thompson, of Kilburn in North Yorkshire. These came from the Congregational church and were the gift of the Jewitt family. The oak set were from the Presbyterian church and were given in memory of C.F.Garfitt, as the inscription on the display rail states.

 
   The Sanctuary

This is typical of many URC churches, with very few ornaments and embellishments. There are three sets of stained-glass windows. The two pairs of side windows were brought from the Union Street church in 1975 and were a perfect fit for these window frames, as the same architect, J.P.Pritchett, had designed both sets of window frames. The themes of these pairs are the nativity and childhood of Christ (on the left) and two scenes from the story of Joseph (on the right). The third window, highly patterned and including a roundel, can only be seen from the front of the church when one looks back and up to the rear of the gallery.
   The Organ
console

This is a major feature of the church and was built in 1894 by J. J. Binns to a specification of 'best spotted metal'. It was first used in public worship on Sunday 25th April in that year. The Church Elders of the time stipulated that the cost of the organ should not exceed £600 but, due to its siting, considerable alterations to the apse were needed. A back staircase had to be provided for the choir and minister which doubled the cost. You may see a banner on display, made by members of the church, marking the occasion of the organ centenary in 1994. The theme is "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord".

Hear the Binns Organ:

(played by Anthony Zerillo)

 

 

 

   The Organ Screen, the Pulpit, Lectern and other furniture

A contract was given to Messrs W. Richardson of Darlington to make and engrave the organ screen, pulpit and lectern which stand on the platform. The pulpit, which was originally much taller, carries carvings representing the four apostles and the four countries of the British Isles. The other items also bear fine carvings of Christian symbols and inscriptions. Alongside the lectern is a plain stone font. The dark oak Communion Table and the Minister's and Elders' chairs were originally in the Union Street church.

   The Memorial Room

Formerly located through the door to the left of the organ, the Memorial Room was relocated in 2005 as part of the changes necessary to accomodate a lift between the sanctuary and hall. It is now within the rear of the sanctuary. In it are preserved a few items from the Union Street church and also records, plaques and memorials of St George's Church. The table and chairs were also from St. George's. The handsome carved oak table is said to have been made from old wood from St.Cuthbert's Parish Church. It has the seal of St.Cuthbert carved on the front. In 1975 its legs were shortened to make it more suitable. The tall cross is a Remembrance Day wreath-stand made by a late member, Martin Streits, a Latvian exile, who was a very talented metal worker.

   Other Furnishings

The plain brass cross on the organ screen was made by another of our late church members, Clari (Clarence) Holiday. Also donated to the church over the years are other items including the oak hymn boards and the flower vases. Around the church you may see a selection of colourful banners which have been made by church members on a variety of themes including the church liturgical year.