St George's Cullercoats

=Building=

St. George's was built built in the 19th century French Gothic style. Looking over the north sea, beacon-like, it was designed by the famous church architect John Loughborough Pearson and built in 1884 by the 6th Duke of Northumberland. The church, in particular it's impressive spire of 180 feet, was used as a navigational aid by the fishermen of Cullercoats as well as by major shipping approaching Tynemouth in times gone by. St. Geoarge's is currently undergoing a major restoration project. This has recently included the replacing of dangerously corroding stonework and the cleaning of some of the stained glass. Unfortunately the material of the church has recently suffered two set-backs that will be costly to repair. Firstly, the boiler has been condemned, the lack of which renders the church a freezer in winter months (sub-zero conditions recorded on several occasions during services winter 2007/2008). This is complicated by asbestos insulation in the boiler house and English Heritage's insistence in a 'like for like' plumbing replacement. A new boiler and associated plumbing in accordance with English Heritage's demands is valued at ₤30,000. Secondly, the church has become a victim of crime through the theft of various valuable roofing materials. This created leaks during the spring of 2008 that caused damage to various interior contents of the church.

Music

Choir

St George's choir has been described in the past as "one of the best parish church choirs in the country". Indeed it is only natural that the acoustic of the church should attract singers. However, in accordance with the fate of many church choirs, Cullercoats' parish church choir has suffered considerably from poor recruitment. Nonetheless the choir gives often-praised musical accompaniment to services, as well as a monthly choral evensong in which the choir excells. The posts of organist and director of music are in recent years one and the same, Shaun Turnbull succeeding Paul Ritchie in both roles.

Organ

This famous two manual T.C. Lewis organ is one of the church's greater attractions for tourists. One of its merits is its similarity to its original design. The only major change is the addition of a balanced swell-pedal that Lewis had intended originally but could not build due to lack of funds. It is praised for the quality of its individual stops rather than for the choruses that organ's of this size are often enjoyed for. This organ is said to have the loudest Clarionet in England

Bells

The church has a full peal of bells, but unfortunately they cannot be swung due to the need for repair work.

Community

St George's Cullercoats parish worships in a 'high-church' but friendly atmosphere. Under the parish's vicar Fr. Adrian Hughes the church community is becoming very active indeed. The summer of 2008 saw a flower festival opened by the Duchess of Northumberland and the church is a regular venue for community events and concerts. In recent years St George's has hosted and annual Early Music Festival. The draw that this church has for both young and old, for all sorts of activity, throughout all its physical and human struggles, is sure testament to its iconic status in the minds of those who live in sight of its beckoning tower and spire.

ources

*http://www.northumbria.info/Pages/stggecull.html
*http://www.cullercoatsparish.org.uk/