Church of Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity is a church in Sunderland. It was opened in 1719 as the church for the newly created Parish of Sunderland.

It is a listed building and is one of the oldest buildings in the East End of Sunderland.

It is unknown who built the church, but what is known for sure is that Daniel Newcombe – who was appointed rector – and William Etty were involved in some of its design. A plaque marking its Grade I listed building status credits Etty as the designer. In its early years, the building was also home to the Select Vestrymen — in effect the town council — and the library and the mechanical fire pump.

The church is no longer used for regular worship. This grade 1 listed building is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, and is being restored with support from The Heritage Lottery Fund and other funders.

• History
• 1712 — Local merchants campaign for a new church to be built.
• 1719 — First recorded baptisms, of Primus Barwick and Mary Whiton, on July 25.
• 1719 — Church consecrated on September 5.
• 1735 — Near-circular apse with Venetian window added by Daniel Newcombe, as the church initially had no chancel.[7]
• 1803 — Gallery added, roof reconstructed by Thomas Wilson and windows re-glazed
• 1838 — Memorial erected to Reverend Robert Gray, rector from 1819 to 1838.
• 1856 — Clockface on tower added.[8]
• 1842 – Gallery extension constructed, but later removed.
• 1900 (circa) – Windows re-glazed for the second time.
• 1936 – Organ built.
• 1939–1945 – slight war damage
• 1980s – building in need of expensive repairs
• 1988 – cost of renovation and dwindling congregation cause the final service to be held on June 26, and church then closes a few days later.