St Marys from Thorpe Road
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ST MARYS + Services, Info & Events
ST. MARYS CHURCH ST. MARY THE VIRGIN CHURCH Easington Parish Church is a prominent landmark in East Durham situated at the west end of the village of Easington. Although built in the style of the Norman era, there is evidence to suggest that the first church to be situated on this hill was of Saxon origin. It is a unique example amongst parish churches, of great architectural interest showing the various styles of English architecture extending over every age. In 1994 a carved fragment was found in the wall which can possibly be dated back to the 8th century and that most likely there was a monastic settlement there now lying under the present fabric. A Saxon cross is built into the exterior wall of the tower. Easington has only one of two examples in the Diocese of Durham of the Solemn League and Covenant dating back to 1571 signed by 157 male parishioners during the time of Oliver Cromwell saying that allegiance to Rome and all popish practices should cease. The uniting of the Archdeaconry of Durham and Easington Rectory continued from 1256 to 1832 and during that time many Easington had many important rectors who became eminent in the church. Among these was Robert de Geneva who held the living in 1376 and was elected as Pope Clement VII during the Great Schism of the West when different countries acknowledged different Popes. Anthony Bek, the Soldier Bishop was granted the living of Easington among other livings and in 1283 was consecrated as Bishop of Durham, he became one of Edward I three great councillors. After the separation of Easington in 1832 from the Archdeaconry the first Rector alone was the Reverend Henry George Liddell, grandfather of the original Alice in Wonderland, Alice Pleasance Liddell. He was born in Ravensworth Castle and married Charlotte Lyons, granddaughter of the Earl of Strathmore. He uncle John Lyon, 9th Earl, married Mary Eleanour Bowes heiress daughter of George Bowes and took her name, it from this line the Bowes Lyons that Queen Elizabeth is descended from. Major restoration work took place in 1852 rebuilding most of the chancel, with a second restoration taking place in 1894 lowering the roof and re-opening the tower arch. Inside the church lie the effigies of a knight in armour made of sandstone and a lady carved in Frosterley marble members of the Fitz-Marmaduke family. A memorial tablet of 1653 records the death of Francis Conyers with a burial helmet set above. The pews ends are carved oak with poppy heads and festoons of fruit and flowers thought to be the work of James Clement as is the pulpit. A list of Rectors from 1197 is displayed in the church. Until 1994 the tower housed three bells one dated from 1618 until a fund raising event was started to celebrate the churches 800th Anniversary. This resulted in the donation of bells and grants from various bodies resulting in the peal of eight bells from the tower on 14 May 1995 for the very first time. Members of the parish also hand made tapestry kneelers for the anniversary and later beautiful kneelers for the communion rail were made designed by Marguerite Elliott. ST MARYS INFORMATION BOARDThe Rector The Reverend Brian Close has recently left the benefice and they will be without a Rector for a while. See church weekly leaflet or Parish Patch for contact details plese, The Rectory 5 Tudor Grange Easington Village Tel:0191 5270287. Do not contact above for arrangements for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Churchwardens are Jean Forster and John Hutchinson. Deanery Synod: David Bowers & Lorraine Dodds. PCC members Dorothy Green, Freda Mooney & Bill Smithson. Only a fraction of the PCC comes up for re-election each year. SUNDAY SERVICES 9.15am Sung Eucharist or Morning Prayer with Junior Church All Age Service normally the first Sunday of the month 6.00pm See separate notices in church. This is now a United Benefice of three parishes St Marys Easington Village, the Church of the Ascension Easington Colliery and Holy Trinity South Hetton and on the third Sunday of each month at 10am the church venue changes WEDNESDAY SERVICE 9.30am Holy Communion followed by Coffee Morning ACTIVITIES TUESDAY 1.30 to 3.15pm Parents and Toddlers 6.30pm Choir Practice THURSDAY4.00pm Rainbow Guides ages 5 to 7 years 5.30pm Brownies ages 7 to 10 7.30pm Guides ages 10 - 15
THE REVEREND ROGER DYER Associate Priest Roger has been licensed by the Bishop of Durham to work in the United Benefice of Easington that Easington Village and Colliery and South Hetton parishes.
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