The Square Building Trust Ltd marked its 90th anniversary with a service and exhibition at St Columba’s Church on Sunday 24 March 2019.

This registered social landlord was founded by the church in March 1929, after hearing about the poor housing in some parts of North Shields.  Within a week, they had raised over £2,000, and the first family homes were finished within six months.

Over the years, further properties have been built or adapted, offering good quality homes at affordable rents.  In recent years, the Trust has focussed on housing for people with special needs, who might otherwise find it harder to live independently.

The service was followed by anniversary cake and coffee in the church hall, when a commemorative booklet, entitled Building on Trust since 1929, was published.