St Mark’s Anglican Church

Did you ever hear of a church that hosted Elton John’s first wedding? I’m talking about St Mark’s Anglican Church, right here in Darling Point. St Mark’s isn’t just any church. It’s a beautiful sandstone structure, designed by the famous colonial architect Edmund Blacket. The church you see before you wasn’t built all at once. Construction of St Mark’s began in 1848 and continued in stages until 1880. Blacket’s design is Early Victorian Rustic Gothic Revival, inspired by a church in Lincolnshire, England called Holy Trinity. St Mark’s features a nave, chancel, vestries, an organ chamber and, of course, that striking tower and spire. The spire, by the way, wasn’t part of the original plan. It was a later addition, a gift from a generous parishioner named William Laidley. The church was extended westward in 1861 to accommodate a porch and gallery. The vestries followed in 1863. Inside St Mark’s, you’ll find a blend of sandstone, timber, and carpeted flooring. Look up to admire the stained-glass and leadlight windows and the timber hammer beam ceilings. The current organ is a Letourneau Pipe Organ, Opus 92, installed in 2004. St Mark’s also hosted the fictional wedding in the film Muriel’s Wedding. It’s not just a place of worship. St Mark’s has played a significant role in Sydney’s social history. The church has been captured in countless photographs, especially wedding photos from the 1930s taken by the renowned social photographer, Sam Hood. Now, as you continue your exploration of Darling Point, remember St Mark’s Anglican Church. It’s a testament to architectural beauty, historical significance, and the enduring power of community.