The church organ

For the first twenty years of the work a harmonium was used to accompany the singing. Then in 1885 a pipe organ, supplied by London firm J B Cramer, was purchased for £100 (£12,600 today). Cramer's existed from 1861-1921. On October 1, 1885, this organ was used for the first time in a service. Dr Edward B Underhill (1813-1901), secretary of the BMS was the preacher.

In 1908, some money from the legacy of Willesden and Hampstead businessman William Richard Rickett JP (1830-1907),was used to replace the first pipe organ with the one that currently stands defunct in the church today. It cost £250 (nearly £30,000 in today's terms). It was made by Rest Cartwright of Haringey.

The organ was repaired from time to time, a big fuss being made when it was overhauled in 1950, the event subsequently being celebrated with a special organ evening.

Mark Sharman

Mark and his wife Sandy are both originally from London and became Christians while at university where they met one another at a Bible Study in Central London. After university Mark spent time training for ministry at Trinity College, Bristol and Sandy trained to be a science teacher in London.

They have been in pastoral work since 1976; their first church being Childs Hill, where they married in 1977. In 1983 God guided them to the North East of England, which continues to be their home. Over the years they have formed many strong friendships and links with other churches and fellowships in Tyneside and have seen God maintain unity amongst Christian leaders.

Mark and Sandy have three children and six grandchildren that they enjoy seeing regularly. Although both are now retired, Mark still loves preaching, evangelism, riding his electric bike, walking in the Lake District and reading history books. Sandy enjoys playing the piano, walking with the dog, teaching, technical challenges, and leading worship.

Chapel Interior 1927

The Outlook 1957 B

The Outlook 1957 A

The Outlook 1942 B

The Outlook 1942 A