“Hexham Abbey is not only a magnificent and much loved church at the heart of the town, it also acts as a focus for the life of the whole community. This imaginative appeal to restore the ancient buildings around the Abbey will bring additional much needed facilities for the people of the town, the many visitors and for pilgrims to this holy site. I commend it to you.”
(The Rt Revd Martin Wharton CBE, The Bishop of Newcastle)
Ever since St Wilfrid laid the first stone in the 7th Century, Hexham Abbey has played a pivotal role in the development of the English Church and the spirituality of Northumberland.
Yet for all its history, this is not a museum destined only to display past glories. Hexham Abbey is a living church, with a growing church community, that continues the essential work of providing worship and welfare.
The Hexham Abbey Project aims to safeguard the unique spirituality of this place – the prayer that has soaked into its walls, the moments of blessing received, and the marks of life’s journey acknowledged and celebrated. It will add to the enjoyment and sense of peace for visitors as well as provide the facilities for members of the congregation to explore and live out their faith.
Besides the essential contributions made to the spiritual life by volunteer groups, such as the choirs and bell-ringers, the Abbey supports a growing number of social groups who share a common faith and the need to grow and discuss their faith with others. These groups include our youth groups, children’s clubs, housegroups, Mothers’ Union, embroidery group and Sunday breakfast club. Hexham Abbey operates a number of adult education groups linked to the programmes run by the wider diocese.
The Abbey is home to a number of social welfare groups offering help and advice to those coping with difficult problems. These groups need more room to expand, increasing the opportunities they can offer and developing their vital work. There is also a need for more space to hold social events for the congregation, conduct meetings and administer the running of the church.
The Hexham Abbey Project will provide this crucial space.