St Mark's Church, Kennington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mark's, Kennington |
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St Mark's Church, Kennington
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| Location | 337 Kennington Park Road, Kennington, London SE11 4PW |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | http://stmarkskennington.org |
| History | |
| Founded | 1824 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | David Roper and A. B. Clayton |
| Years built | 1824 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Kennington |
| Diocese | Southwark |
St Mark's Church, Kennington is a beautiful Anglican church located in Kennington, London. You can find it on Kennington Park Road, not far from Oval tube station. This church was special because it received money from the government to help build it. It was built way back in 1824 on a spot that used to be called 'gallows corner' on Kennington Common.
The main architect was David R. Roper, possibly working with A.B. Clayton. The church officially opened its doors in 1824. Building the church, buying the land, and covering other costs added up to about £22,720. This money came partly from local people and partly from the government through a special fund.
Contents
People Who Led the Church
Many important people have served as leaders, or 'clergy', at St Mark's Church over the years.
Early Leaders (1824-1879)
- The first leader was William Otter, who served from 1824 to 1832. He later became a Bishop. His son, William Bruère Otter, also worked at the church early on.
- After him, the Rev Charlton Lane led the church from 1832 to 1865. His son, also named Charlton Lane, became a cricket player for Oxford University.
- The Rev Henry Robert Lloyd was in charge from 1865 to 1869.
- From 1869 to 1879, the Ven Edmund Henry Fisher was the leader. He also worked as a chaplain for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Notable Leaders (1879-1947)
- From 1879 to 1889, the Rev Henry Montgomery was the leader. He was born in India and later became a Bishop in Tasmania. His son, who was born in Kennington, grew up to be a very famous military leader, Field Marshal The 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
- The Rev Arthur Gerald Bowman led the church from 1889 to 1897.
- For 50 years, from 1897 to 1947, the Rev John Darlington was the Vicar. He was Bishop Montgomery's brother-in-law. He drove a very old car that took part in many London to Brighton Car Runs.
Post-War Leaders (1947-Present)
- From 1947 to 1963, the Rev Canon Harold Wallace Bird was the Vicar. He was very important because he helped rebuild the church after it was badly damaged during WWII.
- The Rev Colin John Fraser Scott led the church from 1964 to 1971. He later became a Bishop.
- From 1972 to 1989, the Rev Canon Sir Thomas Nicholas Rivett-Carnac was the Vicar.
- The Rev John Michael Starr served from 1990 to 1998.
- From 1999 to 2008, the Rev Robert Delatour de Berry was the leader. He was also a director for a charity that helps Christians who are facing difficulties.
- The Rev Michael Stuart Starkey was the Vicar from 2009 to 2011.
- Since 2012, the Rev Canon Stephen Coulson has been the Vicar of St Mark's Church.
The Church Building
St Mark's Church was severely damaged during WWII bombings. Thanks to the hard work of the Rev Wallace Bird and others, the church was carefully repaired. It was able to reopen in 1949.
The church building is considered very important historically. It is listed as 'Grade II*', which means it's a particularly important building. Its walls and gate piers are also listed as 'Grade II'. Even the memorial for WWI is listed as 'Grade II'.
The church has a large organ with 28 stops, which was installed in 1949. It originally came from another church.
On Saturdays, a lively farmers' market is held in the churchyard. This market first started in 2007 and is a popular local event.
See also
- List of Commissioners' churches in London
- St. George's Episcopal Memorial Church, a church in the US with a stained glass window containing shards of glass collected from this church when it was damaged in World War II.
