PRIESTS hope a £250,000 restoration project will save one of the
country’s oldest purpose-built Catholic churches for generations to
come. St Cuthbert’s RC Church, off Old Elvet, Durham City, was built in 1827 – two years before the Catholic emancipation - hence its purpose had to be somewhat disguised behind a plain frontage.
It was designed by the renowned architect Ignatius Bonomi, known as the first railway architect for his 1824 bridge over the River Skerne, in Darlington, and the man behind Durham Prison, Eggleston Hall and Lambton Castle.
It also features a precious stained glass window of the northern saints by Irish artist Harry Clarke.
The church’s sandstone walls had become severely weathered, leading to it being placed on English Heritage’s “At Risk” register.
However, work is underway to repair the stonework and protect the window.
Father Benjamin Earl, the parish priest, said: “We see our mission here as more than just a building. The church is first and foremost a community. Our work is to live the Christian life and support the Catholic community. But for Catholics the church is a sign of what we’re doing. It’s a place where heavenly things meet with the things of this earth. The church building is a sign of something beyond this world and keeping that as a worthy sign and a place where we can serve the local population is very important to us. It’s not just a box where we pray, it’s much more than that.”
The church has about 360 members, about half of whom are Durham University students. It hosts the university’s catholic chaplaincy and a religious community of three Dominican friars.
The restoration work began in early July and is expected to be completed by the end of October.
Funding has come from English Heritage, the National Churches Trust and other groups, plus local fundraising. About £45,000 is still needed.
Fr Earl said: “With the help of all our supporters, I am delighted that this work is now under way.
“It will preserve the building as a focus for the Catholic community’s worship and proclamation of the gospel.
“The repairs will also safeguard a historic gem of a church for the whole of the local community in Durham.”
For more information, visit stcuthberts-durham.org.uk