Church of the Divine Unity and Durant Hall

Church of the Divine Unity and Durant Hall is a Unitarian church on Ellison Place in Newcastle upon Tyne, close to the university campus and the city centre. The building dates from 1940 and is a rare example of Art Deco church architecture in North East England. It is Grade II listed.

How did this church come about?

The congregation's roots go back to the 17th century. After the Act of Uniformity in 1662, some clergy refused to accept the authority of the Church of England and led their own dissenting congregations. In Newcastle, Rev William Durant and Dr Richard Gilpin each led such a group separately. Newcastle's later Unitarian community grew out of this tradition.

From 1726 the congregation worshipped at Hanover Square. In 1854 a grand Gothic church designed by John Dobson opened on New Bridge Street. It was named "The Church of the Divine Unity" to reflect the Unitarian belief in one God. When its west foundation began to subside, the building became unsafe and was eventually demolished.

What makes the present building special?

The current church and its attached meeting room were built between 1938 and 1940, designed by Cackett, Burns Dick & Mackellar. The restrained, geometric Art Deco style contrasts strongly with the Victorian architecture found across much of Newcastle. It opened on Sunday 21 January 1940, and was listed on 7 August 1997.

In the outer vestibule you will find the Durant Stone, the gravestone of William Durant, moved to the new church in 1939. It is a tangible link between today's congregation and its 17th-century beginnings. Accounts give Durant's death as either 1681 or 1683, so historical write-ups differ on that detail.

What is Durant Hall?

Durant Hall, named after the same minister, is the hall attached to the church. It became known as a venue for lectures and gatherings, and the complex has hosted local events over the years. The building has served as both a place of worship and a space for the city's community life.

Is it worth a visit?

For anyone interested in 20th-century architecture it makes a good stop, especially on a walk around Ellison Place. Take a look at the facade and the proportions of the main volume. Interiors may be open during services or events, so check the congregation's current information before you go.

Frequently asked questions

When was the current church built? Between 1938 and 1940; it opened on 21 January 1940.

Who designed it? Cackett, Burns Dick & Mackellar, in an Art Deco style.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 7 August 1997.

What is the Durant Stone? The gravestone of Rev William Durant, moved to the church in 1939 and kept in the outer vestibule.

Where does the name come from? It reflects the Unitarian belief in the unity of God, and was already used by Dobson's 19th-century church.