Our Church

The church is said to stand on the site of a Civil War fort. A plaque on the green opposite commemorates King Charles's visits to "The Shield Field" when a prisoner at Newcastle - he was permitted recreation time here. It is difficult now to imagine the Victorian Shieldfield that Christ Church was built to serve, let alone the Shieldfield where King Charles played golf! Nothing is left of the old flats and tenements - only the pubs and the church.

 

The local community has survived the redevelopment of the 1960s and 70s remarkably well. The church was consecrated in 1861, and is a fine example of the Victorian Gothic style. The exterior stonework, never having been cleaned, may give it a forbidding appearance. But by contrast the interior surprises and delights the visitor with its blend of space, light and the numinous. The sanctuary and chancel are one of the earliest examples of re-ordering for west-facing presidency. This is achieved in a way which respects both the priorities of modern worship, and the original design of the building.

 

Christ church is an inclusive Church with a enthusiastic mixed-age congregation who welcome the Shieldfield community, students and visitors alike.  Sunday Eucharist  is held at 9.30am and is a traditional Church of England form of worship with hymns and short sermon. Everyone is welcome to join us. 

 

Christ Church also acts as a multi-purpose community hub, providing support for the area, with the church hall used by a range of local groups, including All Ways Good Company circus skills, the Bangshees drumming group and Newcastle Gamers. 

 

The church is usually open at our usual service times and for coffee mornings and other community events. 

 

The church works in close partnership with Christ Church school and school uses the church to learn about Christianity as well as for services during the year such as:

  • carol service,
  • Christingle,
  • Epiphany,
  • Candlemas,
  • Ash Wednesday and
  • Pentecost.

 

 For further information about Christ Church in Shieldfield and service times please visit: www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16226/