During the 18th Century Congregationalists and Presbyterians were already worshipping together as ‘Darlington Independents’ in a yard off Northgate. In 1806 a split took place, the Congregationalists moving to a room in Union Street which became Bethel Chapel in 1812. When this became inadequate a new Gothic style church was built which housed the congregation until 1975. The Presbyterian element met in the Mechanics Institute in the town centre until granted the status and privileges of a congregation.
It was this building which became, in 1975, the Northgate United Reformed Church, following the union of Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in 1972. The Church is a Grade 2 listed building constructed of locally quarried sandstone from nearby Houghton Bank, of Gothic style with a spire 36 metres tall, a local landmark.
The outside features the Latin inscription NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR (Neither was it consumed) and the carved heads of prominent 16th Century reformers, John Calvin and John Knox.
Prior to the major repair and refurbishment work being carried out a virtual tour of the Church building was created as a reminder of “how it used to be”.
An updated version of the tour, reflecting the extensive improvements to the facilities, is due to be published here later in 2025.