St Andrew’s itself is a wonderful and beautiful building with a fascinating historical story. The first Saxon Church to be dedicated to St. Andrew; the patron saint of fisherman. St. Andrew’s has witnessed wars, rebellions, pillage, destruction, reformation, restoration and re-consecration; been favoured by kings, queens and princesses; welcomed voyagers and heroes of the sea; suffered conflict and plague; and been served by illustrious ministers, devoted musicians and dedicated parishioners. Throughout these many centuries St. Andrew’s has served the people as a place of sanctity, stability and continuity.
In the blitz of 1941 the church was burnt out and left a roofless shell. Later a board bearing the word ‘RESURGAM’ (‘I will rise again’) appeared over the north door – the sign remains there to this day. In 1943 rubble was cleared from the main body of the church, lawns were laid and areas planted as flower beds. A covered table was erected at the east end and St. Andrew’s became famous as the ‘Garden Church’ where, for six years, thousands worshipped at the open air services.
In 2009 St. Andrew’s was awarded the status of Minster in celebration of the significance of the city in the life of the diocese and in recognition of the historic role of St. Andrew’s as a place of worship and mission for the city.
St. Andrew’s has a shop which stocks a range of gifts, cards, Bibles and literature. Funds raised go to help with the preservation, maintenance and improvement of the fabric and furnishings of the church building.
