We are a United Reformed Church in Darlington.
As Northgate URC we are a member of the Tees and Swale Pastorate, along with Zion URC in Northallerton, and Low Row with Keld URC.
The membership of Northgate URC stands at 77 (February 2025).
In the 1960s Northgate was a large congregation emboldened by an influx of Scottish workers. Times have changed, and as with other traditional denominations in the town, numbers are now greatly diminished.
On approaching our Church building in Darlington, one cannot fail to notice the commanding stone spire, which is visible from considerable distance away. The forecourt fronts onto Northgate, one of the town centre’s main feeder roads, and features two large half-barrel tubs and the front wall hanging baskets, each colourfully planted to add a welcome.
Entrance is through large glass panelled ‘URC blue’ doors. Visitors to Church on a Sunday morning are greeted by a member of the congregation with a warm welcome. Once through the main doors, you enter the vestibule which leads to the Sanctuary through a second set of glass doors.
The large and impressive sanctuary has an open plan interior and a magnificent Binns’ organ. The organ has been professionally restored whilst retaining the original pneumatic mechanisms. We have three committed organists and occasional guest organists.
There is a good degree of musical talent within the congregation and each Christmas Eve a scratch music group plays for the candlelit Carol Service, which is always well attended.
We also have a children-led Christmas Nativity which is one of the Junior Church highlights.
Various banners hang on the walls, visually depicting stories of the Bible, themes of faith, or our links with other fellowships, in particular those of our Pastorate, and our links with the Salvation Army. The banners and tapestries are the work of the craft group which meets regularly in Northgate.
There are two large screens and a camera system, used regularly in worship for hymn words, visual aids etc., and before the service highlighting information, notices of group meetings and information relevant to aspects of the Worship taking place.
Off the sanctuary there is a memorial room and creche (with audio relay), the minister’s vestry and a lift and stairs to the hall below.
The modern refurbished hall downstairs has a large kitchen, cloakrooms, a separate meeting room and storage space.