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 in Connah's Quay, Flintshire, Wales, is an important local church. 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 the "mother church" to St David's Church, Connah's Quay. The building is officially recognized as a Grade II listed building by Cadw, which means it's a special historical place.
Contents
History of St Mark's Church
Building the Church
St Mark's Church was built between 1836 and 1837. The first design was created by an architect named John Lloyd. At that time, the church had a main hall called a nave, a small rounded end section known as an apse, and a tower at the west end.
Changes and Additions Over Time
Later, between 1876 and 1878, a different architect from Chester, John Douglas, made some big changes. He 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 choir vestry was built. This room is where the choir gets ready. The stone used for this part came from an old brewery nearby.
Moving the Lych Gates
The church's lych gates were first built in 1917. A lych gate is a covered gateway to a churchyard. In 1974 and 1975, these gates were moved closer to the church. This happened because a new lay-by, which is a parking area, was built. At the same time, a special memorial garden was created, and some gravestones were moved.
The Church Clock and Bells
The church has a clock made by J. Benson of London. It is believed that this clock was put in place in 1837. In 1991, the clock was fixed and made new again by a company called JB Joyce & Co from Whitchurch. The church also had bells that were given in 1891. However, these bells were taken out in the 1990s because they were no longer safe to use.
Inside St Mark's Church
Important Furniture and Features
The font, which is 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 Caen stone. It was also made around the same time. The lectern, used for reading lessons, is from this period too.
There is a special portable altar in the main part of the church, called the Nave Altar. It is used for most services and can be moved for weddings and funerals.
The Reredos and Organ
The original reredos, which is a screen or decoration behind the altar, was from 1878. It was later covered up. The reredos you see now was painted in 1924. It was a gift from the church choir to remember the people from Connah's Quay who died in the Great War (World War I).
The church organ was built in 1879 by Whiteley Brothers of Chester. It was fixed up in 1974 and then fully restored in 2000.
Memorial Doors and Monument
In the church's gallery, there are Memorial Doors that were added in 2000. These doors remember people from the parish who have passed away. There is also a monument inside the church from 1839, created by William Spence.
Outside St Mark's Church
The Lych Gate
In 1917, a lych gate was built in the Arts and Crafts style. This gate was made to remember a previous vicar, or priest, of the church. It is built with sandstone and has a wooden top part. This lych gate is also a Grade II listed building, just like the church itself.
Church Services
St Mark's Church holds several services each week. On Sunday mornings, there is an 8:00 am Holy Eucharist service. A larger Parish Eucharist service, with the choir, takes place at 11:00 am. There is also an evening service at 6:00 pm, which is run by Golftyn Chapel. Additionally, a Holy Eucharist service is held every Thursday morning at 10:00 am.
See also
