Churches are often named after a saint, a person who lived an upright and Christ like life. Through their lives, saints are examples to follow, so that we may also become more Christ like.
The patron saint of our church is St Mark, an evangelist who travelled with Paul and Barnabas on his first missionary journey. When in Rome he also spent time with Peter, one of the original disciples. His gospel according to St Mark is based on the teaching of Peter and is thought to be the nearest in time to the life of Jesus. Mark went on to establish the church in Alexandria and became Bishop. Our church logo combines the cross of Christ and the symbol of St Mark: the winged lion. The lion represents courage, strength and excellence.
The first services were held in 1919 in the original St Mark’s Church at 4 The Mall, which is now a Council Pre-School Kindergarten.
A new St Mark’s Church was built by the Parish in 1960 at 8 The Mall, just up the road from the first Church, and a new christian education centre (St Mark’s hall) was built in 1969 adjacent to the church.
In 1970 St Mark’s established it’s community Pre-School Kindergarten in the lower level of St Mark’s hall.
St Mark’s is a modern, war memorial church which has wonderful acoustics, that suit fine liturgy and excellence in music.
In late February 2024, St Mark’s begins a consultation period to amalgamate with nearby Blakehurst Anglican Church, with a view to formally amalgamating both churches by August 2024. The Minister, Rev Ross Ryan, will become the new Minister of the consolidated church.