St Mark's Church, Great Wyrley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mark's Church |
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The church in April 2006
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| 52°39′58″N 2°01′25.02″W / 52.66611°N 2.0236167°W | |
| OS grid reference | SJ 984 076 |
| Location | Great Wyrley |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mark |
| Consecrated | 22 July 1845 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Johnson |
| Style | Early English |
| Groundbreaking | 1844 |
| Completed | 1845 |
| Construction cost | £2,800 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Great Wyrley |
| Deanery | Rugeley |
| Archdeaconry | Lichfield |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
St Mark's Church is a historic church located in Great Wyrley, South Staffordshire, England. It serves as the main church for the local area. This church is famous for two main reasons. First, it had the very first South Asian vicar (a type of priest) in any Church of England parish, named Shapurji Edalji. Second, it is connected to his son, George Edalji. George was wrongly accused of hurting a pony. He was later proven innocent with help from the famous writer, Arthur Conan Doyle, who created Sherlock Holmes!
History of St Mark's
The church building is made of stone and was designed in an Early English style. This style was popular in England a long time ago. The architect who designed it was Thomas Johnson from Lichfield. The church, along with a house for the vicar and a nearby school, was finished in 1845. It was officially opened on July 22, 1845, by the Bishop of Lichfield, John Lonsdale.
Records of baptisms, marriages, and burials from the church's early days are kept safe in local archives.
The Edalji Family
Shapurji Edalji became the vicar of St Mark's Church in 1875. He was given this important job by the new Bishop of Lichfield, George Selwyn. Shapurji's wife's uncle, who was the previous vicar, helped him get the position as a wedding gift. Being a vicar was a very sought-after job back then.
Shapurji Edalji and his family moved into the vicarage, which was a large house with its own gardens, in late 1875. His first child, George, was born there soon after. Reverend Edalji was known for being quite strong-willed. He sometimes had disagreements about how church matters should be handled.
Shapurji Edalji passed away at the vicarage in 1918. He was buried in the churchyard, which is the burial ground around the church.
What Happens at the Church Today
St Mark's Church works closely with another local church, St Andrew's in Landywood. They are managed together to serve the community.
Next to St Mark's Church, there is a church hall. This hall is used for various community events and activities.
As of August 2025, the vicar of St Mark's Church is the Reverend Graham Horner.
The Church Organ
St Mark's Church has a special musical instrument called a pipe organ. This organ was built by a company called Nicholson in the year 2000. An older organ in the church had been damaged by a fire, so a new one was needed. You can find more details about this organ in the National Pipe Organ Register.
