 St Mary Magdalene Church
in the Parish of Upper Skerne
The church building dates from around 1145. A record from the 19th century describes the church as “a ruinous, neglected-looking edifice………..exceeding damp, and the only indications of recent attention to the edifice are a coat of yellow ochre in the interior and an external white washing.”
Things have moved on a bit since then! In 1884 the North Aisle, the Vestry and a new stone font were added. 20th century improvements included gravestones from the churchyard being removed and repositioned next to the path leading to the east end of the church; choir pews removed to allow flexibility of use of the Chancel area; a new organ installed and the floor carpeted; a sound system installed; diseased trees replaced with now maturing trees.
The beginning of the 21st century has seen a new stained glass window installed dedicated to the memory of Councillor George (Mick) Terrans and a worn out rose bed replaced with gravel and flower tubs.
November 2006 saw the completion of the latest developments. Access has been greatly improved and a beautiful new inner porch door installed. A moveable wooden font has replaced the old one and we now have a smart new refreshment area. An accessible toilet next!!
Parish of Upper Skerne
St Mary Magdalene’s is now part of the larger Parish of Upper Skerne. This also includes the former parishes of Trimdon Grange, St Alban’s; Trimdon Colliery (St Paul’s is now closed); Fishburn, St Catherine’s; Bishop Middleham, St Michael’s; and Sedgefield, St Edmund’s. Each church remains autonomous within the Parish, which is served by a Team Ministry – Rector, Revd Michael Gobbett, Team Vicar, Revd Philip Tait, Curate, Revd John Williams, Lay Readers and Lay Leaders. Other ordained priests serve in the Parish from time to time. We have a combined Parish Magazine and information about services and events in the Parish can be found either in the Magazine or on the Notice Board outside church.
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