“What stories do these walls hold?” That’s the question I ask myself every time I approach St. Marks Parish.
St. Marks Parish stands as a testament to faith and community. It has been a pillar in Clayfield since its establishment.
Originally, the area of St. Marks was part of the Anglican parish of Albion. It separated from St Andrew’s, Lutwyche, in 1925. Before that, it was a district. The first St Marks Church was built in 1888. It stood on the corner of Bridge Street and Moore Street in Albion.
Bishop Webber wanted the timber church moved to a better site. In 1898, a property on Bonney Avenue was purchased for £680. The church was moved there in 1899. Back then, the area was known as Maida Hill.
A church hall and Sunday school were needed for the growing congregation. In 1910, a contract was signed for a timber hall. Archbishop Donaldson dedicated the hall in November 1910. The hall was rented to social groups to pay off debts. The Sunday school, kindergarten, and community groups used the hall often. A verandah was added by 1916 for more space.
A tennis club was formed before 1913. The parish council set rules for court use and membership. The tennis court is still used today with a modern surface.
World War I greatly affected St Marks. The church hall was used for patriotic efforts. Women knitted socks and donated to the Red Cross. They also helped fund a travelling kitchen for the 5th Light Horse Regiment. St Marks became a place for the community to grieve.
In July 1916, a timber honour board was unveiled. It listed 110 names of the fallen from the congregation. Harry Love designed and made the board. It now hangs in the current St Marks Church.
In July 1917, a stained glass panel was unveiled. The Hockin family presented it in memory of Lieutenant Jack Treverne Hockin. He died in France on the Somme. British artist Charles Tute designed the window. Exton & Co of Brisbane made it.
Two more stained glass windows were added in 1918. Captain Richards, Lieutenant Jardine, and returned soldiers unveiled them. These windows formed a triptych with the first World War I window. The later windows depicted St John and St Mary. Mrs E. G. Blume and public donations funded them. The band of the 1st Military Division played at the service. Extra money went to a red cedar memorial reredos.
By 1923, the church hall was too small. The Sunday school had 60 pupils and four teachers. The hall was extended again at a cost of £395. Donations and fairs helped pay the debt. In the late 1940s, the Sunday school had over 120 children. Extensions to the hall were planned.
During the late 1940s, a new church was discussed. The old timber building was deteriorating. Finances prevented these plans. Moving the timber church onto a brick base was considered. The idea was abandoned due to the timber’s age and costs.
In 1963, Conrad and Gargett designed a modern brick church. The building cost was estimated at £22,500. The church was dedicated in May 1964.
The new church was built as a war memorial. It is called “The War Memorial Church of St Mark”. Elements of the earlier church were incorporated. The stained glass windows were moved to the eastern wall. An additional panel was added. It featured crests of the armed forces and the Red Cross. It was dedicated to the fallen of World War II and later wars.
Other items from the earlier church were included. These were the red cedar altar, the cedar reredos, and the pulpit. Also included were windows on either side of the sanctuary, the baptismal font, and the memorial window to Canon Osborn. The Bishop’s Chair was also returned.
St Marks displays information about Rev John Barge. He was one of the New Guinea Martyrs who died in 1942 and 1943. They are remembered each year.
Later changes included a brick rectory in 1971. A bell tower was built in 1977. It contains the bell from the earlier church. A columbarium was added. Landscaping and trees provide spaces for contemplation.
Three modern stained glass windows were added to the northern wall. They use muted colors. St Marks Anglican Church has been a place of worship for over a century. It provides spiritual guidance and social contact.
As you leave St. Marks Parish, consider the enduring spirit of this place. It has been a sanctuary for generations. Its history is etched in its walls.