Project to complete 'unfinished' 1860s church begins

The architect's plans include a new entrance which would make the north side more visibly a church

A church is hoping to raise £600,000 to "properly complete" a building constructed in the 1860s.

St John’s Church in Killingworth, North Tyneside, opened in 1869 but the original project ran out of money leaving the north wall blank.

The plans would see it remodelled with a new entrance, as well as toilets, a serving area, and an eco-friendly heating system.

The project also includes the restoration of the organ, constructed by the prolific organ builder Robert Postill, and moving it on to its own mezzanine level.

The North wall as it is today is just a blank wall with little to show it is part of a church

The Reverend Sarah Moon, priest in charge of Killingworth Parish, described it as an "ambitious project".

"But at the moment the north wall could be any building and we want our church to be visibly so from Killingworth town as well as the village and be set up for the next 155 years," she said.

It is hoped two-thirds of the fundraising total will be raised through grants, but the congregation is aiming to raise the other £200,000 through various activities, including a challenging cycle ride by the church's organist.

Organist Nigel Brown is planning to cycle 1,000 miles to visit other churches with organs built by Robert Postill

Nigel Brown is planning to cycle 1,000 miles (1,609km) across the UK, visiting nine other churches where Postill organs can also be found.

“It is a real privilege to play the Postill organ at St John’s,” said Mr Brown who is calling himself the Pedal Powered Pilgrim.

"I hope it raises awareness of these historic organs as well as supporting the fundraising campaign,” he added.

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