St. Pauls Church

St. Paul's Church in Seaton Sluice began life in 1886 in an unusual setting — a former brewery dating back to the 18th century. Built by the Delaval family, the brewery once supplied beer to glassworks employees and even passing ships, with Russian sailors reportedly having a particular fondness for it. As glassmaking declined, the brewery closed and the building was adopted by Methodists for worship.

Eventually, the Anglican community also sought a place to worship, and the same building was partitioned to house both congregations — Methodists in the south, Anglicans in the north. Despite the thin wall and competing choirs, the arrangement lasted until the Methodists built their own church and moved out. The church bell, a remnant from the glassworks, served both congregations.

In 1891, when the Parish of Delaval was formed from the larger Earsdon Parish, St. Paul's became part of the new parish alongside the Church of Our Lady and St. Michael's at New Hartley. The new parish was supported by Sir George Astley, who donated land and an endowment. St. Paul's remained in use for 70 years, but deterioration meant the original brewery building was no longer suitable for worship.

The solution came in the form of the Ochiltree Memorial Hall, built in 1914 by Mrs. Hannah Ochiltree in memory of her husband. Used for community events for decades — from dances and wedding receptions to youth groups and suppers — the hall was eventually chosen as the new site for St. Paul's. Land originally intended for a new church was sold to fund the conversion of the hall.

Under architect P.C. Newcombe, the conversion took eight months and was completed in November 1961 at a total cost of £16,517. Local donations covered furnishings, and the church was officially dedicated by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt. Rev. Hugh E. Ashdown, on 2nd December 1961.

The new St. Paul's retained traditional pews (despite their cost) to increase capacity, and featured light pastel walls and red ceiling beams. Over the years, it has continued to evolve. In 2009, pews were replaced with chairs and a pipe organ was swapped for a modern keyboard to increase flexibility.

Memorials in St. Paul's Church

• Brass plaque in the porch by Hannah Ochiltree commemorating her husband John Ochiltree (October 1914).
• Engraved plate commemorating Robert William Rowell (8 November 1964).
• Plaque above the window in the porch marking the church dedication on 2nd December 1961.
• Banner celebrating the Mothers' Union branch formation in 1962.
• Memorial to 2nd Lieutenant Edmund Mortimer, Northumberland Fusiliers, who died at St. Julian in 1915.