Around 1831 a travelling Catholic priest began visiting Seaham, the first recorded mass, attended by 30 people was held in a private house in John St in 1835, the altar was a rough kitchen table (this table still exists in in St Mary Magdalenes Church). St Mary Magdalenes Catholic Church in Londonderry Rd between the police station and Drill Hall opened 1870 also a school until 1888. Became part of school in 1907 when new Ch built. demolished mid 1970's
