Church marks its 125th anniversary
ST AUGUSTIN'S Church foundation stone was laid on St Matthew's Day, September 21, 1881, by Rt Hon Earl Percy MP on the site in Washington Terrace given by Captain Linskill, owner of Tynemouth Lodge Estate.
The Rev E W Evans was licensed as first Vicar of St Augustin's by the Newcastle Diocese formed in 1882.
It was the first church consecrated for the new diocese, formally opened on June 11, 1884 by Bishop Wilberforce.
A history of the church by Reavley Gair tells us that it is dedicated to St Augustin, Bishop of Hippo from AD396, who was born AD354 and died of fever AD430.
Architects were Messrs Anderson & Brown and clerk of works David Lindsey, from Edinburgh, with local builder George Fenwick Shotton. An artist's impression of the church with a 166foott spire, which was never built, was printed in its Jubilee Souvenir.
St Augustin's was the only Parish Church in the borough to have been funded by public subscription and not paid for by the Duke of Northumberland.
Shields Daily News advertised the fundraising bazaar in Tynemouth Aquarium, opened on Wednesday, August 8,1888 by Hon Lady Ridley, to pay off the remaining 1,000 of the cost of the Chancel, opened in April that year.
There had been eight vicars until 1981, when it was no longer an independent parish and began team ministry with Christ Church.
In June 1984 a Centenary street fair was held with local people dressed as Victorians. The church celebrates its 125th anniversary this week.
If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on (0191) 200 5424 or e-mail local.studies@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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