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 | United Kingdom |
| 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 an Anglican church building in Kennington, London. You can find it on Kennington Park Road, not far from Oval tube station. This church is special because it's a "Commissioners' church." This means it received money from the Church Building Commission to help pay for its construction.
The church was built on a historic spot where old gallows used to be on Kennington Common. The architect was David R. Roper, possibly working with A.B. Clayton. It first opened its doors in 1824. The total cost to build the church, including the land, was about £22,720. This money came partly from local people and partly from the government through a special fund called "The Million Fund."
People Who Led the Church
Over the years, many important people have served as leaders, or "vicars," at St Mark's Church.
The first vicar was William Otter, who served from 1824 to 1832. He later became a Bishop.
Another notable vicar was the Rev Henry Montgomery, who led the church from 1879 to 1889. He was born in India and later became the Bishop of Tasmania. His son, Bernard Law Montgomery, who was born in Kennington, grew up to become a very famous military leader known as a Field Marshal.
The Rev John Darlington DD was the vicar for a very long time, from 1897 to 1947. He was in charge during WWII. He was known for driving a classic 1904 car that took part in many London to Brighton Car Runs.
After the war, the Rev Canon Harold Wallace Bird (1947–1963) took on the big task of rebuilding the church. It had been badly damaged during the war.
Since 2012, the church has been led by the Rev Canon Stephen Coulson.
The Church Building
St Mark's Church was heavily bombed during WWII. Thanks to the hard work of the vicar at the time, the Rev Wallace Bird, the church was restored and reopened in 1949.
The church building is very important historically. It is "listed Grade II*," which means it's a particularly important building of more than special interest. Its walls and gate piers are also listed as "Grade II," meaning they are of special interest. Even the memorial for WWI is listed as Grade II.
Inside the church, there is a large organ with 28 stops. This organ was installed in 1949.
On Saturdays, the churchyard becomes a lively place. A farmers' market is held there, selling fresh produce. The first market took place in 2007.
Images for kids
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A view of the church from the northeast
See also
- List of Commissioners' churches in London
- St. George's Episcopal Memorial Church, a church in the US that has a stained glass window made with pieces of glass from St Mark's Church after it was damaged in World War II.
