We're a diverse, lively, charismatic evangelical Church of England church family. We love Jesus, love each other and we love Stockton!
In the SPC family, there are over 250 of us, from over 20 nationalities, and we believe that together we are called as a church to be ‘a beacon for God’s kingdom’.
This means:
We don't mind what you wear, how old you are, where you're from. We don't mind about your criminal record, your bank balance or how good your English is. We don’t mind whether you have been to church before, haven’t been back in a long time, or are new to the whole thing.
Whoever you are, we would love to welcome you here at SPC. Come along to one of our services – we promise you will be made to feel welcome.
In the SPC family, there are over 250 of us, from over 20 nationalities, and we believe that together we are called as a church to be ‘a beacon for God’s kingdom’.
This means:
- we believe Jesus that loves Stockton. Our parish is ranked 8 out of over 12500 parishes for poverty and deprivation and we are committed to bringing the good news of the gospel into our town and being part of the transformation of this area, in partnership with our brothers and sisters in other local churches.
- we feel called to be a church that resources others – making and nurturing disciples, developing leaders, and working with others to build the kingdom, both here in Stockton and more widely.
- we also have a global perspective, as we support mission partners in the Philippines and in Tabora in Western Tanzania, as well as being a truly global congregation.
We don't mind what you wear, how old you are, where you're from. We don't mind about your criminal record, your bank balance or how good your English is. We don’t mind whether you have been to church before, haven’t been back in a long time, or are new to the whole thing.
Whoever you are, we would love to welcome you here at SPC. Come along to one of our services – we promise you will be made to feel welcome.
The SPC Story
The history of Stockton Parish Church (SPC) is one characterised by growth. God has been doing amazing things in this place for at least 1000 years, and we are excited to see what he will do next!
Pre-1235
The town of Stockton, or ‘Stoctun’ as it was originally known, dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and the Church has been a central part of town life since the beginning. The name ‘Stoctun’ means ‘a settlement belonging to a monastery’, and quite possibly refers to St Mary’s at Norton, which was the primary place of worship for the people of the area for many years.
However, the population of Stockton grew so much that between 1235-7 a ‘chapel of ease’ called St Thomas’ was built in Stockton, literally to provide the people of Stockton with an easier, closer place to worship. However, the congregation soon grew too large for the chapel, and the chapel fell into disuse as it was insufficient for the needs of the town.
1663
However, in 1663 Revd Thomas Rudd, vicar at Norton, was given responsibility for the chapel of St Thomas’ and for 50 years he oversaw the raising of funds for a new, larger church that would meet the needs of the town.
1712
This new church was called Stockton Parish Church. It's foundation stone was laid in 1705 and it opened on March 20th 1712. Thomas Rudd preached his first sermon at SPC on a passage from Isaiah 56:7: ‘My house will be a house of prayer’. This speaks of the aspirations of those who commissioned it and SPC is a place where people have come to pray and to worship, to learn and to study for over 300 years.
Now
By the early 2000s, SPC had experienced a decline both in numbers and in hope. The church was on the verge of closure when Revd Alan Farish arrived as the vicar. Under his leadership, SPC has experienced huge growth, from 30 or so to over 250 gathering to worship Jesus every week, including people from over 20 different nationalities, and people of every age and background. We continue to grow and develop under our present vicar Revd Mark Miller’s leadership, and are excited for what the future holds for SPC.
Pre-1235
The town of Stockton, or ‘Stoctun’ as it was originally known, dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, and the Church has been a central part of town life since the beginning. The name ‘Stoctun’ means ‘a settlement belonging to a monastery’, and quite possibly refers to St Mary’s at Norton, which was the primary place of worship for the people of the area for many years.
However, the population of Stockton grew so much that between 1235-7 a ‘chapel of ease’ called St Thomas’ was built in Stockton, literally to provide the people of Stockton with an easier, closer place to worship. However, the congregation soon grew too large for the chapel, and the chapel fell into disuse as it was insufficient for the needs of the town.
1663
However, in 1663 Revd Thomas Rudd, vicar at Norton, was given responsibility for the chapel of St Thomas’ and for 50 years he oversaw the raising of funds for a new, larger church that would meet the needs of the town.
1712
This new church was called Stockton Parish Church. It's foundation stone was laid in 1705 and it opened on March 20th 1712. Thomas Rudd preached his first sermon at SPC on a passage from Isaiah 56:7: ‘My house will be a house of prayer’. This speaks of the aspirations of those who commissioned it and SPC is a place where people have come to pray and to worship, to learn and to study for over 300 years.
Now
By the early 2000s, SPC had experienced a decline both in numbers and in hope. The church was on the verge of closure when Revd Alan Farish arrived as the vicar. Under his leadership, SPC has experienced huge growth, from 30 or so to over 250 gathering to worship Jesus every week, including people from over 20 different nationalities, and people of every age and background. We continue to grow and develop under our present vicar Revd Mark Miller’s leadership, and are excited for what the future holds for SPC.
To see more historical images of Stockton Parish Church,
you can go to the Stockton Picture Archive and
type 'Stockton Parish Church' into the search bar.
you can go to the Stockton Picture Archive and
type 'Stockton Parish Church' into the search bar.
