History of St Lukes Church Ferryhill. Continued.
In the centenary year, the three stained glass windows designed by L C Evetts were installed in the east end of the church. The centre window is a memorial to Canon Lomax and the two side windows are a memorial to those who died in World War II. These were dedicated on 18th October 1953 at the time of the St. Luke's Patronal Festival.The Rev. Ernest Johnson became vicar in 1953 and in 1956, saw the building of a choir vestry on the west end of the church. There followed a stabilising period after the building programmes and improvements that had been made. The Rev. Johnson moved to Satley in 1960.
In 1962, the Rev. Robert Wears became vicar and had a twenty year ministry here in Ferryhill.
Of coalmining stock, he was at home in the mining community and oversaw the closure of the two pits of Ferryhill (Dean & Chapter and Mainsforth) being pastorally active in the social upheaval that this brought.
The late seventies saw the demolition of the old parish hall which had deteriorated into a very dangerous condition. This greatly curtailed life at St. Luke's, the Brigade and other activities being transferred to St. Martha and St. Mary's.
In 1982 the Rev. Peter Baldwin, O.G.S. became vicar. The old vicarage was in need of renovation and Peter moved into a house in Church Lane until a new vicarage was built in 1983. Under his leadership, the P.C.C. began planning for a new Parish Centre on land adjoining St. Luke's that was part of the old graveyard. Peter was assisted in his ministry by curates Paul Grundy and Martin Stephenson. 
On the 19th of May 1984 the foundation stone for the new Parish Centre was laid by the Very Rev. Peter Baelz, the Dean of Durham. As the Appeal brochure states, "the description of the building shows that it has a potential for a variety of activities". Money was available from investments and legacies that had built up, and an appeal fund was set up for £40,000. The total cost of the project at this stage was envisaged at £96,000. On Saturday 20th April, 1985 the Bishop of Durham, the Rt. Rev. David Jenkins opened and dedicated the building. It had eventually cost £140,000. 
Many new activities began quickly in the much-needed premises and brought many new people into the church. Friday lunches were introduced, first as soup and sandwiches, and then a full three-course lunch as a money-raising activity on market day. This activity continues today providing not only much needed income but also an important mission outreach possibility, with the Centre being busy during a coffee and lunch period. Early in 1988 Peter moved to Salford to a church and chaplaincy post.