Holy Trinity Church, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool
Holy Trinity Church stands in a secluded spot about 100 metres from Seaton Carew beach. It began its life as a chapel within the parish of Stranton and was consecrated on 29th September 1831 to care spiritually for the needs of the growing number of local villagers and workers in this area. On October 21st 1841, consent was given for Seaton Carew to become a parish in its own right. Funds were raised to extend the church building with a chancel and gallery, a clock was added to the church tower, and the churchyard was extended. In 1842 a vicarage was built, and a wing added in 1860.
In the four years from 1890 there was much new development to the church: the chancel was re-ordered, an organ chamber built, and a new organ installed. A vestry was added with access to the chancel, and with that, much of the shape of the church we know today was in place. On Sunday 6th February 1921, a new clock, a ring of bells and a plaque to the fallen in the nave were unveiled.
Sadly, the vicarage had to be demolished in the late 1970s, but over the last thirty years much restoration has taken place, including a recent major project to restore the stonework and roof which were both in a severe state of disrepair. With the help of a Heritage Lottery Grant and a lot of willing volunteers to undertake fund-raising, we managed to raise over £300,000 to keep the building in good order for future generations. A benefactor has also provided funds to refurbish the parish centre, which is well-used for local activities and groups.
The parish now extends across a wide area from the Tees to Stranton and from the North Sea to Owton Manor. It also has spiritual oversight for the tourists and industrial workers in its bounds. Faithful hands have made Holy Trinity a very beautiful House of God, and for each succeeding generation, times of joy and jubilation, of sadness and despair, high days and holidays as well as national occasions have all found full expression here.
Holy Trinity Church, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool
Holy Trinity Church stands in a secluded spot about 100 metres from Seaton Carew beach. It began its life as a chapel within the parish of Stranton and was consecrated on 29th September 1831 to care spiritually for the needs of the growing number of local villagers and workers in this area. On October 21st 1841, consent was given for Seaton Carew to become a parish in its own right. Funds were raised to extend the church building with a chancel and gallery, a clock was added to the church tower, and the churchyard was extended. In 1842 a vicarage was built, and a wing added in 1860.
In the four years from 1890 there was much new development to the church: the chancel was re-ordered, an organ chamber built, and a new organ installed. A vestry was added with access to the chancel, and with that, much of the shape of the church we know today was in place. On Sunday 6th February 1921, a new clock, a ring of bells and a plaque to the fallen in the nave were unveiled.
Sadly, the vicarage had to be demolished in the late 1970s, but over the last thirty years much restoration has taken place, including a recent major project to restore the stonework and roof which were both in a severe state of disrepair. With the help of a Heritage Lottery Grant and a lot of willing volunteers to undertake fund-raising, we managed to raise over £300,000 to keep the building in good order for future generations. A benefactor has also provided funds to refurbish the parish centre, which is well-used for local activities and groups.
The parish now extends across a wide area from the Tees to Stranton and from the North Sea to Owton Manor. It also has spiritual oversight for the tourists and industrial workers in its bounds. Faithful hands have made Holy Trinity a very beautiful House of God, and for each succeeding generation, times of joy and jubilation, of sadness and despair, high days and holidays as well as national occasions have all found full expression here.