OPENING OF THE CHURCH ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 1962

The new church of St Anne's was formally opened on Thursday, December 20, 1962 by our Bishop, James Cunningham with a concelebrated Holy Mass in the presence of many priests and local people.

Fr Dillon, Parish Priest of St Joseph's Blaydon, delivered a sermon in which he said that the first church in the world dedicated to Saint Anne was built in 550AD by the Emperor Justinian and that the Catholics of Winlaton had to travel to Stella before the church of St Joseph's, in nearby Blaydon was built.

INTERIOR

The new church was designed by Mr David Brown in the style of a English Village Church and was centrally situated in the newly renovated village of Winlaton. The architect thought of this as he selected the materials for the buildings and the landscaping of the gardens. Careful planning ensured that the many trees and shrubs were preserved.

The estimated cost of the church and presbytery rose from £33,750 to about £50,000.00. The statues and stations of the cross were paid for by donations. The church and presbytery covers 1,307 acres.

The outside of the church is covered by Jacobean brick and by Staffordshire brick beneath all the windows. The Presbytery and Sacristies have been plastered and pebble dashed with Canterbury Chippings. The roof has been covered with Green Westmorland slate. Two features of the church are the Circular Baptistry (the font today is in front of the church.

The seating capacity is for 450 people with an extra 50 spaces in the choir made possible by situating the Organ in the Tower over the side entrance beneath the Belfry on the same level as the choir.

The panelled ceilings are made of Carlite Finish Plaster with wood surrounds. The plastered interior walls are beautifully decorated.

The 2 confessionals are situated on the Gospel side half way between the former baptistery and the Altar. At the back of the church, beside the main entrance, in what used to be a “Cry-Room,” there is a repository.

THE SANCTUARY

There used to be a Communion rail between the altar but it has been taken down because everybody stands today when receiving Holy Communion. The side chapels are visible from every part of the church and have natural light flowing through them due to the windows in the ceiling.

The Sanctuary is raised and the tabernacle stands on a marble plinth. The Marble Altar used to stand below the crucifix but is now used as the Main Altar near to the steps which are made of Oak. The Oak pulpit used to stand in front of the pews but has been removed now. The seating is also made of Oak.

The presbytery was designed to accommodate two resident priests, visitors and separate living quarters for the housekeepers. There is also another room for meetings such as Children's Liturgy which is in between the church and presbytery. The main entrance has double glass doors surrounded by big glass panels. Messrs J. H. Fisher (Newcastle) Ltd were the Building Contracters.