MICC Chapel of Light (Former St Columba's Southwick)

Former St Columba's is one of the most impressive Victorian buildings in Sunderland, a vast basilican church designed by Charles Hodgson Fowler (1940-1910), who served as Architect to the Dean and Chapter of Durham. The Roman basilica shaped building has a broad nave and side isles supporting an extremely high clerestory. The interior is impressive with a rich communion rail executed in cream, green and red marble. The chancel has a marble mosaic floor incorporating the local stone known as 'Frostily Marble', which is a carboniferous limestone containing fossilised coral. A note of richness was introduced by James Eadie-Reid (1856-1928) who orchestrated a spectacular scheme with biblical images inspired by his visits to the Holy Land, narrating the Annunciation to the Ascension of Christ. The apse shows images of early English saints including Columba, Cuthbert and Aidan. The paintings are considered a national treasure. Between 1900 and 1906 James Eadie-Reid designed the stained glass windows in the church and many are signed JER, but other Sunderland-based glass artists contributed to the stained glass art in the building. The church was visited by the late Princess Diana in 1990 and has a commemorative plaque above the capstone from the 6th century cottage where St. Columba lived on Iona. The Organ has an unusual history, originally donated by Gloucestershire Cathedral, it was built by a local merchant using parts from the organ from St Peter's Church Monkwearmouth.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

1100-1600

Saturday 13 September:

1000-1500

Monday 15 September:

1000-1600

Tuesday 16 September:

10am-4pm

Wednesday 17 September:

1000-1600

Thursday 18 September:

1000-1600

Friday 19 September:

1000-1600

Saturday 20 September:

1000-1500

Location & directions

M I C C Chapel of Light, Cornhill Road, Southwick, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR5 1RU

Contact on day:

Dr Peter Adegbie

Telephone number:

+447890707323

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

Warm welcome, tea, coffee and biscuits awaits you

Max no of people per tour:

25

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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