In its 70th anniversary year after being re-dedicated following a fire, St Paul’s Church in Spennymoor has undergone a major programme of works to help safeguard the Grade II listed building for the future.
For the past few months, works have included replacing stone across various parts of the exterior fabric, a restoration of the clock, repairs to the gutters and downpipes, replacing damaged glazing and providing ramped access at the main door.
The works were highlighted in the church’s quinquennial (five-yearly) inspection which identified areas most in need of repair and following a fundraising initiative, work began in early June.
A tender process in 2025 saw DI Stonemasonry Ltd in Kirk Merrington appointed as lead contractor to complete the works and the project was overseen by Hugh Massey Architects of Chester-le-Street.
Director Dan Inglis, who trained in stonemasonry at Durham Cathedral said: “I was personally elated to win such an important restoration contract so close to home. Restoring churches, monuments and listed buildings is all I have known since my cathedral apprenticeship. I am extremely proud of the job and the trust St Paul’s Church put in me to complete these works.”
This year marks the church’s 70th anniversary since it was re-dedicated on the 1st November, 1956 following a devastating fire three years earlier. The stonemasonry works carried out this year to the fabric help ensure the building remains in good condition as a place of worship in the heart of Spennymoor.
The Revd Canon Matt Tarling, vicar of St Paul’s said: “As we mark the building’s 70th anniversary these works not only provided necessary maintenance, but build on the legacy of those who have gone before us to ensure the building is central to the life and community of our town. Our vision and priority as a church remains enabling people to believe the good news, to worship Jesus, and share his love.”
Architect Hugh Massey added: “It is particularly satisfying to be involved with an energetic and forward-looking church group who respond to the need for regular, carefully conceived maintenance of historic church fabric. We have been pleased to play our part in identifying and overseeing such important work to safeguard the future of St Paul’s Church. Dan Inglis has completed the stonework repairs to a very high standard, along with the generational clock face overhaul by specialists from The Cumbria Clock Company, and we expect these works will secure the fabric of this important part of Spennymoor’s architectural heritage for generations to come.”
The works were part-funded with grants totalling £20,000 from The Northumbrian Historic Churches Trust, the Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, and the Diocese of Durham. The Parochial Church Council thanks the funders for their generous support to help enable the project to take place.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
