A Brief History in time of St. Johns “The Church in the Trees”
“… The mission at Annitsford was founded in 1863. Previously, the area had been served from Cowpen & by the Dominican fathers from Newcastle in hired rooms in Seaton Delaval & Seghill. In 1863 Rev. John O’Dwyer was appointed resident priest, lodging at Cramlington & officiating at Seghill. In 1866 half an acre of land was purchased from John Clayton, town clerk of Newcastle & a school-chapel & presbytery was built from designs by Archibald Dunn. In 1878 a teachers’ house was added. This chapel was registered for marriages in 1873. The present church which was endowed by Mrs. Shawe-Storey, a convert, of Arcot Hall, was consecrated on 22 May 1906 …” Read More
