St Mary's Church, Sunderland

St Mary’s Church stands in Sunderland’s city centre at the corner of Bridge Street and St Mary’s Way. Designed by Ignatius Bonomi, it is the earliest Gothic revival church still standing in the town. Built between 1830 and 1835, the building was opened by John Briggs, Apostolic Vicar of the Northern District. Its original plan allowed space for 1,200 worshippers, a figure soon exceeded as Sunderland’s Catholic population grew. By 1851 there were at least 4,000 Catholics in the city, prompting the addition of two side chapels in 1852. The church’s organ, installed in 1937, came from the Rex Theatre in South Shields and was refurbished in 1992. The church suffered damage during air raids in March and May 1943, when the main roof was hit and most stained glass destroyed. Repairs began in 1946, funded by a £1,000 grant, and included new glass from Jansen & Co. of the Netherlands. The altars and Stations of the Cross were also redecorated by the same firm. On 24 September 1947 the church was reconsecrated by Bishop Joseph McCormack of Hexham and Newcastle. In 1982 the interior was reordered to reflect changes from the Second Vatican Council, removing the pulpit and altar rails and installing a new forward altar. The work cost about £130,000 and was completed under Bishop Owen Swindlehurst. Inside, the church retains its Gothic revival structure with pointed arches and tall windows. The Stations of the Cross, restored after the war, line the walls in painted panels. The Annunciation reredos remains in the Lady Chapel, while the forward altar sits on a raised platform. A narthex was added during the 1982 reordering to provide a welcoming entrance. The organ, rebuilt in 1992, stands in the west gallery above the main door. The building’s quiet dignity contrasts with the busy streets outside, offering a place for reflection beside the city’s centre.