ST. PAUL S CHURCH Newcastle-under-Lyme Parish Profile 2018 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

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1 ST. PAUL S CHURCH Newcastle-under-Lyme Parish Profile 2018 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 1

2 Parish Profile 2018 WELCOME Welcome to St. Paul s parish profile and we hope that there is much here to attract your interest and attention and that you are the priest we are earnestly praying for. THE PARISH St. Paul s Parish lies near to the town centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme, close to the A34. St. Paul s Church itself is set adjacent to a small park sandwiched between the two sites of Newcastle-under-Lyme (independent) School, and is but a short walk to the town centre, bus station and shops, and only a few minutes drive to St. Michael s on the other side of the town. View of St. Paul's from Stubbs Walk To meet the needs of an expanding population during the early years of the 20 th century the parish was formed from two nearby ones. In the 1960s extensive demolition of small Victorian terrace houses in surrounding streets involved major relocation of parishioners to nearby out- oftown development in Clayton. Geographically the parish is small and much of it occupied by the extensive buildings and grounds of Newcastle-under-Lyme School. Demographically it is a mixed area comprising of the elderly retired, families, and students of the nearby hospital, Keele University or Newcastle College. Within the Parish, as well as the Newcastle-under-Lyme School, there is a primary school, two nursery schools, businesses, dentist, accountants, solicitors and more St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 2

3 THE CHURCH The church itself, a grade two listed building, was built by public subscription in replacing a previous tin chapel. The architect was Ronald Scrivener, and a local philanthropist, Archibald Coghill, generously ensured that it was a spacious building constructed superbly of stone inside and out and with a splendid tower and spire. The modern church hall was built onto the north side of the church in 1974 but is hidden behind the vast tower. A refrain frequently heard when a stranger first enters St. Paul s is, What a lovely church. Mini cathedral-like it is built in the Perpendicular style with a four- bayed clerestoried and aisled nave. On the east wall of the chancel, above the high altar, is a fine stained glass window depicting The Transfiguration. Other memorial stained glass windows are found on the north wall of the chancel, in the north aisle and in the Baptistery. St. Paul s is also known for its organ. St. Paul s benefactor, Archibald Coghill, also presented the Church in 1913 with its organ, a three manual instrument by the renowned builder, Arthur Hill, which with a few additions and modifications gave good service until 1995 when a complete rebuild became necessary and with it opportunity for enlargement. The Transfiguration Window WORSHIP Our worship is Eucharistic and on Sundays we celebrate the Eucharist at 11.00am using Common Worship with Malcolm Archer s The organ from the Sanctuary steps St Marks setting and the hymnal, Common Praise, but these are replaced by traditional language, Merbecke and English Hymnal in Advent and Lent. Vestments are worn and the Sacrament is reserved. The midweek service on Tuesdays at 10.30am is a said celebration of the Eucharist in traditional language and is well supported. St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 3

4 Evensong (BCP) is sung on the first Sunday of the month at 4.00pm, (currently suspended during the interregnum) and Holy Days and Festivals are observed. Members of the congregation read lessons, administer the chalice as well as presenting the Sacraments and as sidesmen. Music has been a special feature of St Paul s services and now, when resources have become minimal, the Director of Music still finds it possible to reflect and complement the Intention of the Day. A former leading parishioner of St. Paul s writes, We do miss the high standard of music of St Paul's, which added so much to the worship and dignity of the services. For special services, such as the Carol The Director of Music with Ivy, a young hospital doctor and Josh, a Nigerian student of Keele Service or Seven Last Words, our minimal choral forces may be augmented by members of the congregation, former choristers and friends. Congregation The number attending services has decreased in recent years and now stands at an average of 25 on Sunday morning, 15 at the midweek service and 6 at evensong. St Paul's over the years has welcomed students who form a transient part of the congregation. Some have formed a close attachment and find it a welcoming church. The average age of the congregation, however, continues to rise, leading to resources being drawn from a smaller body of willing and capable helpers. The proportion of worshippers from outside the Parish is greater than that of the local community. There is, therefore, significant scope for the development of outreach within the community, and this is something we would welcome. St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 4

5 Fellowship and Outreach Fellowship is important in the life of St Paul s people and opportunities exist to meet others over coffee before Sunday morning service and after the midweek one. Children are welcome to services and there is a children s corner arranged in the Lady Chapel where they can always be in their parents eye. The monthly Tuesday Group is fellowship when churchgoers and friends follow a varied programme of activities, games, raffles, talks, or meals in hall, or out in a restaurant. Children's Corner Some may believe that St. Paul s runs on tea and coffee! The Social Committee arranges a monthly Coffee Morning Bring and Buy, which not only attracts visitors but generates a welcome contribution to Church funds. At the twice yearly seasonal Fairs, friends and neighbours buy their goodies, retire to a table and get to know each other. Even Lunchtime Music does not escape. 30 minutes before the recital, the audience is already gathering in the hall for coffee! A few members of St Paul s attend a weekday Mass in St Michael s and also a few for several years now have joined its annual Walsingham Pilgrimage. On a social level the seasonal fairs and other initiatives are supported. St. Paul s publishes a monthly (10 issues) magazine, Epistle, to which St. Michael s is invited to contribute. Newcastle-under-Lyme School, the neighbouring independent, mixed school for pupils age 3 to 19 uses the church twice weekly for assemblies and additionally for other services at the ends of term. There is an orchestral and choral concert in March/April and two Carol services at Christmas. By long tradition a representative group attends Church on Remembrance Sunday for the Act of Remembrance and it is likely that a future Priest of St. Paul s may be invited to be Chaplain of the CCF. The connection with this school has evolved over numerous decades, developing as people with allegiance both to St Paul s church and to the school St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 5

6 made strong links. The school s hiring of the church is of important financial benefit and we would hope to continue the connection. It could, however be enhanced, leading to greater exchange between the church and school communities. The Home Economics department invites all pensioners, of the area, including those of St Paul s to afternoon tea in December, just before Christmas. There may be other initiatives which could be developed. Pupils, however, travel varying distances, thus undermining the potential of out of school or weekend activities. We would, none the less, look to increasing relations with the school and would hope a new incumbent could work and lead in both this area and initiatives within the local community to achieve the community outreach we seek. Hassell Community Primary School uses the Church at end of terms for presentations to which parents are invited. On these occasions St Paul s church is full to capacity and these visits could be an important part of the children s early education. We would, therefore look to developing further links with Hassell school. Hassell in St. Paul's The Church is used from time to time by a number of organisations such as the North Staffs and District Organ Society, amateur orchestras and choirs. St. Paul s holds Lunchtime Music in the church, 10 recitals a year on the second Tuesday of the month, given by students, teachers, retired professionals, in fact anyone needing experience, and aimed at those who do not have access to live music, or who need an oasis in the middle of the working day. The audiences keep coming, performers are forthcoming, and, in particular, the music department of Keele University is very appreciative of the opportunities offered to students. Little Moreton Singers - Lunchtime Music St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 6

7 THE CHURCH HALL The Church Hall is an important adjunct to all the activities that take place in the Church itself and there is potential for development of lettings for parties and other meetings. It was built in 1974 on the North side of the Church. The main door is at the front and View of the Hall access for the disabled is available at the side. There is also direct access from Church. It is a large spacious room with lightweight stackable furniture and with access to toilets. The kitchen is up-to-date with stainless steel units, and both hall and kitchen have recently been redecorated. FINANCIAL The Gift Aid Scheme is in operation and the accounts are in good order due to the loyalty and generosity of parishioners. St. Paul s has no debts and the Parish Share is fully paid up. A quinquennial is due this year 2018 but the fabric of the church is in a good state of repair. OUR NEW PRIEST will be steadfast in faith and prayerful, and by his own being, able to infuse and enthuse others. A true man of God. be humble and empathetic, responsive to the needs of others. recognise strength and weakness in others, using the one and strengthening the other. be a leader, a good teacher and communicator, innovative and enthusiastic in a desire to increase St. Paul s witness in the community and schools. present a visible presence around the Parish and in meetings and events. able to meet the challenges and needs of two separate churches and their parishes. St Paul s being a Forward in Faith Church, be a member of The Society. St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 7

8 ABOUT US What we offer St. Paul s is a welcoming congregation Many of the members are very long serving with a strong sense of loyalty to St. Paul s. Though tending to be elderly many members are actively busy with the running of the Church. St Paul s has a tradition of being supportive of its clergy and leaders. We are mindful that no one person has all talents, aptitudes and abilities ideally required. Holidays and free days will be respected. LIVING IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME Living in Newcastle is good, for the ancient borough not only has distinctive character by its several gardens but has been cited in the Royal Horticultural Society s Britain in Bloom Competitions. It has good schools and Keele University is just over two miles away. On its border is the first class Royal Stoke University Hospital. It is well served by public transport, the bus station being placed in the town centre and Stoke railway station is but two miles away. By road the major route, A34, passes St. Paul s nearby and even closer to the Vicarage at St. Michael s. The M6 may be joined/left at junction 15 and the M1 via the A500 and A50. Close by are the attractions, Trentham Monkey Forest and Alton Towers, and easily reached is the Peak District, the country side of South Staffordshire, and Wales. Culturally, Newcastle has an Art Gallery and the New Vic, a purpose built theatre in the round. In Hanley Cultural Centre are the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, and we should not omit to mention Keele University, its concerts and lectures open to the public. Thank you for reading this profile; hope you have enjoyed it and feel attracted to 0ur Church. St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 8

9 Ben and I are indeed blessed to have met so many friendly, kind and inspiring people at St. Paul s. Being a part of this church makes us feel ever so belonged and loved. St. Paul s will always be dear to our hearts and we want the best always for this beautiful parish. (Ivy a former parishioner) St Paul s, Newcastle, Parish Profile Page 9