Parish of St Joseph, Blaydon
History
Our church takes up a prominent position in the centre of the famous town of Blaydon. From, 1831. Catholics in Blaydon were served by Canon Wrennell from the Stella Mission, which was the only church in the Tyne Valley between Newcastle and Hexham; however, the Catholic population grew quickly, with the rapid development of the railways and the arrival of many Irish families.
As in most towns and villages, the building of a school came first, in 1870, which also served as the church from 1898. It provided education for 250 children and Father Wrennell was a member of the 1875 school board. As the population of Blaydon expanded, a larger school with the original school building eventually becoming the church hall. The second school closed some 30 years ago and was partially rebuilt and converted to apartments. The current St. Joseph’s Primary School, which also serves the parish of St Anne's, Winlaton, is situated next to St. Thomas More School further up the hill on Croftdale Road.
The church was built following a generous legacy from Mrs Blanche Leadbitter from Ryton, who left enough money for the building of a church and the maintenance of a priest. The foundation stone was laid on 30th September 1903 by Bishop Richard Preston and was completed in 1905. The architect was Charles Walker, who also designed St Patrick's in Felling. It was designed to accommodate over 800 and cost around £9000. It was built from locally quarried sandstone. It is thought that the original plans included a spire, but this was never added, probably due to the cost.
The church was inaugurated on Thursday 8 June 1905 with a High Mass celebrated at 11.00 am. In 1920, Father Pippet installed the present High Altar as a War Memorial to the fallen of the 1914-18 war and the reredos was installed and painted at the same time by the artist Gabrielle Pippett, the brother of Fr. Pippet.
The church was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Thorman in May 1930.
More to follow...
St Joseph's Outreach work
Supported with volunteers from our parishes works and donations of cash and food, we provide a vital source of nourishment, help and company for those in need in our area.
The Warm Space is open 1 - 3pm and is free and open to all. Hot drinks and snacks are available as well as the opportunity just to meet with people to combat loneliness. We look after approximately 30 visitors per week.
Community Larder
As part of Blaydon Churches Together we run a Community Larder where anyone can come to get food that has been donated by local community groups or collected from Fareshare. We regularly help 40 families per week. No referral is needed.
Wednesdays 1.30-3.00pm
St. Joseph's Church House on Shibdon Road, Blaydon NE21 5AE
Suggested donation £1
You may also wish to donate unwanted food that is in date or your time to volunteer to help run the larder.
For more information contact Alison Dare, Team Leader on 07436 425412 or Rachel Charter on 07410 701942.
Christmas
Working again in partnership with Blaydon Churches Together we support the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Appeal, Christmas Lunch Hampers and Gift Card. Each year we support around 100 families approximately 420 people.
The church communities also take to the Blaydon Shopping precinct on one Saturday morning just before Christmas to sing carols to give a little Christmas spirit and to raise awareness and accept donations towards the Larder.
A Carol Service is also held in one for the churches and is open to all and provides a time for personal and shared reflection.
FIND US
Shibdon Road, Blaydon-on-Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5AE