St Mark's Church, Connah's Quay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mark's Church, Connah's Quay |
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St Mark's Church, Connah's Quay, from the northwest
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| OS grid reference | SJ 290 698 |
| Location | Connah's Quay, Flintshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| Website | St Mark's Church, Connah's Quay |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Mark |
| Consecrated | 13 August 1837 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architect(s) | John Lloyd, John Douglas |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1836 |
| Completed | 1933 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 200 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Connah's Quay |
| Deanery | Hawarden |
| Archdeaconry | Wrexham |
| Diocese | St Asaph |
| Province | Church in Wales |
St Mark's Church, Connah's Quay is a historic church located in the town of Connah's Quay, Flintshire, Wales. It is an active Anglican church, meaning it belongs to the Church in Wales. This church serves as the main parish church for Connah's Quay. It is also recognized as a Grade II listed building by Cadw, which means it's an important historic place that needs to be protected.
History of St Mark's Church
St Mark's Church was first built between 1836 and 1837. The first design included a main hall (called a nave) with a small rounded end (an apse) and a tower at the west side.
Later, from 1876 to 1878, a famous architect named John Douglas added the chancel, which is the part of the church where the altar is. He also updated the inside of the church. In 1933, a room for the choir was added, using stone from an old brewery.
The church also has special gates called lych gates, which were built in 1917. These gates were moved closer to the church in 1974–75 when a new road area was built. At that time, a special garden was created, and some old gravestones were moved.
The church clock, made by J. Benson of London, was likely put in place in 1837. It was fixed up in 1991. The church used to have bells that were given in 1891, but they were taken down in the 1990s because they were not safe anymore.
Inside the Church
When you go inside St Mark's Church, you'll see several interesting features:
- The font, used for baptisms, is at the front of the church and dates back to 1876.
- The pulpit, where sermons are given, is made from beautifully carved stone and is from the same time period.
- There is also a lectern, which is a stand for reading, from the same era.
- The church uses a portable altar for most services, which can be moved for special events like weddings or funerals.
- The main decoration behind the altar, called the reredos, was painted in 1924. It was a gift from the choir to remember those from Connah's Quay who died in the First World War.
- The organ, which provides music for services, was built in 1879. It has been fixed up a few times, most recently in 2000.
- In the gallery, there are special Memorial Doors that were added in 2000 to remember people from the parish who had passed away.
- There is also a monument inside the church from 1839, created by William Spence.
Outside the Church
Outside the church, you can see the lych gates, which were built in 1917. These gates are made of stone with a timber roof and are built in the Arts and Crafts style. They were built to remember a previous vicar of the church. Like the church itself, the lych gate is also a Grade II listed building, meaning it's an important part of history.
Church Services
St Mark's Church holds several services each week:
- An early morning service called Said Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am.
- A main Parish Eucharist service at 11:00 am, where the choir sings.
- An evening service at 6:00 pm, which is run by Golftyn Chapel.
- There is also a Holy Eucharist service every Thursday morning at 10:00 am.
See also
