Sunderland Minster

(The Minster Church of St Michael & All Angels, with St Hilda & Benedict Biscop ) 

- situated at the heart of the ancient parish of Bishopwearmouth

Welcome to these pages - not presented as an 'Official View' - that is  normally provided for elsewhere, on www.sunderlandminster.org That site has had problems for some considerable time but I rejoice that it is now being restored to life --it was always well worth looking at, and I know that it will be more so once all updates are completed. 

 Click the Church picture below, left, to access  the main site      

        In this personal site I aim to urge more interest in  the values and content (generally) of the Book of Common Prayer  - but perhaps in a less formal way than most church websites. My view and tastes are, in fact far more broad than has been suggested by some - I  enjoy GOOD modern  writings  and a  great variety of modern music in all genres, and I believe that our church should aim to cater well for SOME preferences - especially so for the main service of the week (currently at 10 am).  FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT ABOUT A CHORAL MATTINS from time to time?

A second aim is to prevent church services (and preparations for such) being displaced by theatrical productions. For example, this week's church choir practice on Thursday 2nd May has been cancelled in favour of 'another show'.   ... Another example of the attraction of Mammon!?  Is there any hope at all that we may one day see the church officials dedicated to building a Minster choir worthy that name??

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 Please visit the page for the  Prayer Book Society, (PBS) where I print a sample of previous magazines of the society.   Recently, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the finals of the 2013Cranmer Awards, where young people deliver , from memory, extracts from the Psalms (King James version, of course) and the Book of Common Prayer. What a wonderful experience , enhanced by the presence of HIS GRACE THE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK, who left us in no doubt about his wholehearted support for the regular use of The Book of Common Prayer in our main services, rather than the present custom to reserve their use for the beginning and ending of the day  - and only once weekly!!

This site also covers something of the extensive history of this well-loved church. Chiefly is it intended to show that the building still houses a vibrant church and community which intends to welcome everyone .

       The text for both the Rectors page and also the History page is not my work and I acknowledge with gratitude the authors of both pieces. They have given me immense pleasure in reading both texts, and I take equal joy in introducing their work to other readers. 

The "Rectors"  and "Tour"  pages have also been  enhanced with  images presented in a various styles. The photographs are my own efforts: I hope that they add to enjoyment of these pages

Visit these and the other pages in this section by clicking the names at the top of those pages -- but first click on the picture, above left, to enter the site proper.

  I also hope that the alternative maps (below ) will be of assistance to strangers to the city.

Those travelling by rail or Metro  to SUNDERLAND station/Metro can reach the Minster either by walking through the Crowtree Shopping and Leisure Centre, or following the  Main Road on either side of this complex.

Travelling by bus or Metro to the Park Lane Interchange, the Minster is reached via Park Lane, skirting the Leisure centre Complex and walking down Green Terrace. The Crowtree Leisure and Shopping Centre includes Multi-level Car parks for those visiting by car.    

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                  Other Churches and Cathedrals. Please visit this page which has recently been updated with two further sets of images, Blackburn Cathedral, Selby Abbey and the two St. Mary's, Isles of Scilly, churches in Hugh Town and Old Town.    Click HERE or the box at the top of the other pages to visit.

Would you like to be a Friend of the Minster?? Click HERE for details

  The Official Minster e-mail address is admin@sunderlandminster.org  

Please send comments/queries about this site to David Herring. All official enquiries proper to The Minster will be passed on immediately. My email address -   herring57@btinternet.com 

My other sites relate to my main hobby (with my wife) of budgerigar breeding - a wonderful and challenging hobby, followed my many friendly and communicative people. - www.herringbrosbudgerigars.co.uk & www.sunderlandbudgerigarsociety.co.uk (Click them to visit)

Pages prepared by David Herring October/November 2005. Revised  13/05/2013