Built and consecrated in 1719 after a petition from local merchants and ship owners for a church to call thier own, Holy Trinity became the first parish church in Sunderland. One of only 2 early Georgian era churches in the North East this stunning, Grade I listed building remains a celebration of the past, a hub for the community and a resource for future generations.

Becoming Sunderland
 

The construction of the church marks a point in time when the local merchants of Sunderland decided to take control of their own local administration. A petition to parliament led to the construction of the church that acted not only as a place for worship, but also as the new town’s Magistrates Court and Town Hall, its first library and public reading room, and at one point even the fire station. The 'Gentlemen of the Vestry’ took charge of the new parish and for 120 years governed the town and port, increasing the power and wealth of both.

The church itself is evidence of the prosperity of the port. The impressive and unique east window demonstrates the skill of local stained glass designer and maker William Wailes of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (1801-81) who had worked with Pugin, and famed Sunderland glass manufacturer James Hartley. The Vestry room served as Sunderland's Council chambers and courtroom. The original meeting table used by the Vestry Men is still in place, so you can come and see how it might have felt to answer for your crimes in early Sunderland. The Flemish brickwork - joined using the technique ‘tuck pointing’, ‘a super fine jointing which was so esteemed’ by the Georgians - shows the pride of the people at the time for this new public building. The internal woodwork - reminiscent of ship timber - shows how closely life in old Sunderland was associated with river and sea.

Although inconclusive, it is thought that William Etty of York (c.1675-1734) designed Holy Trinity. It's light and open nave, embodying the principles of The Enlightenment, and chancel arch ‘so grand as to remind you of a Roman triumphal arch’ reminiscent of Etty's style. Etty had connections with the construction of other significant buildings of the time, including being employed as clerk of works for Sir John Vanburgh at Castle Howard. The influences of Vanburgh and Hawksmoor on the architect are evident within the church.

A central shift: Becoming the East End
 

Gradually as Sunderland became bigger and the middle classes moved away from the busy port, the centre of the town shifted to the west, leaving behind what is still called today 'The East End'. By the mid-1800s, there was a decline in ship building, impacting on the health and prosperity of residents. Sunderland's port had become severely over populated and issues with health were thrown into the wider public eye when the first cholera outbreak in the UK was recorded here in 1831. The first cholera victim is buried here in Holy Trinity's churchyard, along with many others. The Gentlemen of the Vestry responded to the crisis with novel measures, including the setting up a health board and implementing improvements to public health. However these measures could not deal with the overcrowding that hampered inhabitants, dismayed authorities and confronted the church. Eventually, in the 20th Century the area was cleared of slums and new housing was built. Entire communities were moved out and new families moved in, challenging the church as the congregation churned over.

Dignity of people and place
 

Today, only a few historic buildings remaining in the East End. Holy Trinty and the surrounding churchyard tell stories of East Enders that still resonate in communities today. The plaque to national naval hero Jack Crawford (1775-1831) tells of how Crawford ensured a British victory when serving on the ship The Venerable during the Napoleonic battle of Camperdown. Local visitors to the church recall and recount stories of ragtime bands using the bandstand; and the illuminations, dog shows and man-walking-on-water spectacle all at the East End Carnival.

There is a pride in Sunderland people that is based on achievement and heritage which stems back to when Sunderland was defined by its shipping industries and naval heritage, but also by its response to the challenges posed by a decline in industry nationawide. This is most evident in the oral stories told by current and ex-residents who talk of 'Mackem' heritage, and recall the new industries of the 70s and 80s, the factories and mail-order call centres; Sunderland FC; car and glass manufacturing and the Empire Theatre that drew on the city's music hall traditions. In connection with Holy Trinity there are more personal memories of weddings and baptisms–with the font acting as memory anchor for these recollections, giving us the once close-knit community an opportunity to come together and share thier experiences of living in Sunderland.