In the 1960’s, a young teacher came to work at Ashington Grammar School (now known as Ashington High School). Betty Hall was a committed Christian who wanted to see young people challenged with the reality of the gospel. She invited students to attend youth events in Newcastle and the surrounding area and the Christian Union in the school began. Youth for Christ events and the Inter-School Rallies became regulars for some of the school students, several of whom made decisions to follow Jesus. The new Christians were encouraged to attend a local church, which many did, however, older students missed the more modern style of worship they had experienced at these other meetings. They would travel to Newcastle whenever they could for bible studies and other meetings.

In the early 1970’s, house parties to places like Broomlee Grange (Stocksfield), Marygate House (Holy Island) and Wauchope (Borders) gave the opportunity for young people to spend time together and learn more about the Christian faith. In 1972, Betty along with teachers John Rowling and Caroline Dover looked at ways to provide some kind of regular youth event in Ashington on a Saturday evening. The Parish Hall at the Holy Sepulchre provided the first base for Crossroads Coffee Bar and on a cold January night in 1973 a group from London called “Really Free” played at the launch of the Coffee Bar. “Really Free” turned out to be really loud but the young people loved their music. This was the beginning of a pioneering work and the challenge of the gospel caused many to think and large numbers gave their lives to the Lord. The Saturday meeting moved to St George’s Hall (now Trinity Church). Many top Christian artists and speakers such as Garth Hewitt and Lovelight came to Ashington. The Coffee Bar eventually became Crossroads Church and Sunday evenings saw a tremendous time of blessing in the Miners' Trade Union Hall, fondly remembered as “The Miners”. A choir named “Charisma” was formed and over forty voices joined together to share testimony through songs and even making a record called “What can the answer be?”. A concert in Nottingham Central Hall and Nottingham Prison, a house party in London with concerts in Harrow and Brighton and a tour of Holland in 1975 were just some of the special times enjoyed by the choir.

1976 saw another change as several of the group moved off to university. “Charisma” ended and a second choir was formed for the “Upward Bound” concerts held in the much-loved Central Hall at the top of Hawthorn Road. Sadly, a building no longer in existence today. Jamie Owens, Jesse Dixon, Don Francisco and Evie were some of the international Christian stars who ministered in Ashington during this time. Preachers such as Ben Hoekendyke, Bob Gordon and Ian Knox were invited to Crossroads Church to speak.

Several musicals have been written and produced by Crossroads Church over the years, including “From the Throne of the King”, “Through It All”, “A Star is Born Again” and “Upside Down World”. The musical and acting talents of the church members shone through in each production. Crossroads also became involved in community initiatives such as gardening, decorating, visiting and shopping for people who needed practical help and support.

The Sunday meetings moved from the Miners' Hall to the Ashington YMCA and then in the mid 1980’s, to Hirst High School. We then met at the Hirst Welfare in Ashington, the Salvation Army hall in Ashington and we now meet in the Newbiggin Maritime Centre.

We are an independent Christian church and are members of the Evangelical Alliance