St Aidan's, Fourstones

St. Aidan's Church is a unique church in the diocese of Newcastle in that it was built as a wooden structure to be a mission church to the village of Fourstones. It was dedicated in 1892 having been built at the expense of the then incumbent, Reverend Cruddas of Warden. It is a small simple wooden construction on a stone foundation with a slate roof.

St. Aidan's sits on the junction of the main road through Fourstones and the Chollerton road. As a mission Church it does not have a church yard but just a few shrubs giving the impression of simplicity.

The interior of St. Aidan's is simple yet welcoming, seating around 50 people in what is basically one room. The walls are decorated with art from the school giving a well loved atmosphere. As you enter St. Aidan's we have the small font which following the style of the church has simple lines.

There is no organ in the church but music is provided by a harmonium, in many ways reflecting the way music used to be generated in our churches. The fittings in the church are all in proportion to the building, the altar, credence table and pulpit do not seem to dominate.

There is one stained glass window behind the altar showing the Birth, Crucifixion and Ascension of Christ.

Following a fundraising campaign that attracted over £6,000 in grants and personal donations, a refurbishment contract early in 2005 saw essential repairs carried out. A community painting programme then enabled the redecoration of most of the exterior of the building (with the exception of the really high parts - for health and safety reasons!). A professional decorator has now completed the exterior and interior.

Many thanks to all who helped with the restoration and painting in any way!