Life could have been very different for Rev. Dan McCarthy.
In 1998, Essex-born Dan was coming to the end of a Law degree in Wolverhampton , setting his sights on a career at the Bar.
But fast-forward two-and-a-half decades, and he finds himself a million miles away from the courtroom, embarking on a new chapter of his life as the Team Rector at Christ Church and St Augustin’s in North Shields.
“When I was studying Law, I always wanted to look out for those on the outside really, those who didn’t have a voice,” Dan says.
“I felt a burning desire to do good in the world. And like someone once said to me: ‘If you have got a passion, just follow it. See where it goes.”
That passion has taken Dan, 48, on an extensive tour of the country:
A year volunteering at church in Ripon, North Yorkshire, led to his choosing to permanently swap his three-piece-suits for a clerical collar, as he made the life-changing decision to enter the priesthood.
Having studied Theology in London and Bristol, moves to Liverpool and Essex followed, before Newcastle became his new home in 2004. That move ignited a thirst to work longer-term in the region.
Twenty years later, after another North East hiatus in St Albans Hertfordshire, that thirst has finally been in North Shields, after a brief spell in Fenham.
Just a few weeks into his new role as Team Rector and Dan has found a place that truly feels like home.
“Geordies are some of the most wonderful, genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet, and I feel so lucky to be here. I knew I wanted to be here the moment I got my first job here, working in the Royal Bank of Scotland on Grey Street in 2004. I think it is a restaurant now!
“That was where I learned what this region is all about, and gave me an insight into people and the help that they might need.
“It is a pleasure to be in North Shields now, especially as the town starts celebrating its 800th year.
“I love the vibrancy of the place: the grit, the Arts, the sense of community. Unlike some areas where different people feel closed off, it feels like people really want to work together here.”
Invoking another local landmark, Dan tells me he views Christ Church and St Augustin’s like beacons, which will stand out amidst the darkness and draw people to a safe haven:
“I see these churches as being similar to lighthouses, like St Mary’s in Whitley Bay.
“I hope they can be places where people can come and find a sense of community, a sense of themselves and that they can be history makers in North Shields and beyond; that they can actually make a difference in the world.”
Christ Church, North Shields: A Living Landmark at the Heart of the Town
By I Love North Shields
Location: Christ Church, North Shields
Christ Church has been part of the fabric of North Shields for over 350 years — but step inside and it feels anything but stuck in the past.
Used almost daily for services, community gatherings, music and heritage events, the Church and Parish Centre continue to play an active role in town life. From concerts and weddings to reflective services and community meetings, Christ Church remains a place where people still come together.
Walk through the doors and you’re met with light, space and a sense of calm that’s hard to put into words. Soaring ceilings, vibrant stained glass and a warmth in the atmosphere create a rare feeling of tranquillity in the middle of a busy town.
A History That Reaches Back to 1668
Christ Church was founded in 1668, originally known as Tynemouth Parish Church. At the time, the parish served a vast area stretching from Whitley Bay to Wallsend.
Today, its focus is firmly local — with the church seeking to reach and serve the whole community of North Shields.
The building itself is light and airy, with seating for over 300 people, making it a popular venue not only for worship but also for weddings, concerts and cultural events.
A Treasure Trove of Hidden Heritage
Beyond its striking architecture, Christ Church quietly holds some remarkable historical features:
- The church’s organ, believed to have been brought from Vauxhall Gardens in London in 1794.
- A ringing chamber with ten bells, six of which date back to 1788 and are still rung today.
- The Mariners Chapel, reflecting North Shields’ maritime heritage, including:
- Stained glass marking the centenary of the RNLI in Tynemouth
- Ship models dating back to around 1820
- The parish stocks, last used in 1832, now on display inside the building.
- Historic tombstones, including those belonging to the Collingwood family and former vicar Thomas Dockwray.
Each detail offers a glimpse into centuries of life in the town — from seafaring history to community justice and worship.
Still Standing, Still Relevant
Christ Church stands as more than just a historic building. It remains a working parish, a gathering point, a quiet refuge and a place of celebration for generations both past and present.
It bears witness to the faith of those who have worshipped within its walls across the centuries — and continues to serve the community today, just as it has done for hundreds of years.
As North Shields marks its 800th year, Christ Church remains a powerful reminder that the town’s story is never just in the past — it is still being written.
📍 Visit Christ Church, North Shields
Christ Church
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
For services, events, newsletters, readings, safeguarding information and more, visit:
👉 https://www.northshieldsparish.org/
