The Pilgrimage from St Andrew's Church, Stanley to St Margaret's Church, Tanfield was very successful. Our vicar (and his dog), parishioners and supporters of both churches set off from Stanley on Sunday afternoon,19th July for a walk to Tanfield. The weather was good and the beautiful afternoon was rounded off with a picnic in and around the hall. St Andrew's Church is located on Church Bank / Joicey Gardens in Stanley, County Durham. The church was built 1876-1877 and designed by JG Holt of Manchester. The tower was added in 1931. It is a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage List for England. There are many events being held this year to celebrate its 150 years.Saint Margaret of Antioch was the patron of childbirth and pregnant women. The Latin Catholic church honors her with a feast day on July 20th. Margaret resided in Antioch in Pisidia, where she is believed to be the daughter of a pagan priest. After the death of her mother, Margaret was raised by a nurse who was a Christian. Margaret grew to become a devout Christian. Olybrius, the local prefect, was enamored with Margaret and wanted her for a wife or concubine. Margaret refused, as she was chaste to God. Olybrius imprisoned her and tortured her cruelly. Margaret was eventually beheaded, after being swallowed by a dragon and enduring several other legendary torments. Margaret is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, and she spoke to St. Joan of Arc.
2025 Christmas Tree Festival was a great success! Held on 6th and 7th December the church was full of beautifully decorated trees by local organisations, businesses and individuals. We had lots of visitors, mince pies and mulled wine! The children had the opportunity to decorate baubles to take home with them. We held a Christmas Tree competition, asking visitors to vote for the best dressed tree, congratulations to Gibside Community Farm (tree pictured) who won with the most votes! We also had an uplifting Carol Service on the Sunday afternoon.Thank you to everyone who came along, took part decorating a tree, donated raffle prizes and to all our volunteers who make such a community event possible. We are already thinking of 2026, if you would like to participate in any way please get in touch. Enter our competition and let your imagination run wild, open to individuals, families, businesses and organisations, we would be delighted to display your trees!
We have been delighted to host two weddings this summer 2025, it was fantastic to see the church so full and beautifully decorated to celebrate these weddings. Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual. Churches are special and unique places to get married in - the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond.If you are interested in having your wedding at St Margaret's please get in touch, we can provide information on planning your special day and the cost involved. We would love to hear from you. If you would like to visit the church for a look around please call in on a Tuesday morning between 9.30 and 10.30, or at our service on a Sunday morning or contact us to arrange a visit.We can organise an organist for the service if required, and the bells to ring out in celebration.We also have the church hall, opposite the church, available to hire for your celebration after the wedding.
