St Mark's Methodist Church

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St Mark's 2000

Introduction | Phase One | Phase Two

Introduction

Why? | What do we gain? | What has changed? | What will change? | How you can help

For 90 years our church served Methodism at St Mark's, standing largely unchanged, a testament to the foresight of those that worked to create it.

The St Mark's 2000 redevelopment is providing a similar opportunity to make St Mark's a place more suitable for worship now and into the new millennium.

The building work has been split into two phases: the first phase, which is now complete, covered the church, vestibule, and forecourt, while the second phase will include the changes to the rear premises, including reinstalling the organ. The last service prior to the building work was held in the church on Sunday 19th June 2005; a service of rededication was held in the refurbished church on Saturday 4th March 2006.

Why?

• The church and the hall are very separate from each other, with access between the two being difficult without going outside.
• The former church layout with fixed pews restricted what could be done in worship.
• It was difficult to relate to the community outside when they couldn't see what went on in the church.

A number of property items were due for renewal, including the decoration and carpeting, the heating system, the lighting, and the wiring. Reorganising the church at the same time will have saved money.

What do we gain?

• A larger, more flexible worship space.
• Better access between the church and the hall/toilets, including access for wheelchairs.
• Refurbished toilet facilities, with a separate toilet for people with disabilities.
• An extra room off the church for meetings, or for use by those who feel unable to stay in the service but still want to participate.
• A larger minister's vestry.
• Greater openness to the outside community.

What has changed? (Phase One)

• Two new sets of double glass doors have been fitted: one inside the present front doors, and the other replacing the middle window in the vestibule, to make a new direct access into the church.
• The seating faces a new sanctuary area between the two pillars on the right.
• The vestibule space has been rearranged to provide a flower "cupboard" with a sink, a meeting/family room, and a foyer.
• Moving the organ pipes from their old position has increased the space inside the church.

Photos of the work so far are on the Phase One page.

What will change? (Phase Two)

• The new double glass doors, where the sanctuary area used to be, will directly link the church to the hall.
• The toilets will be rearranged and refurbished, including a separate disabled toilet.
• The corridor in the hall will be widened to about double its present width. This will lead to steps (fitted with a chair lift) going up to the new door into the church.
• The minister's vestry will be enlarged.
• The organ pipes (currently in storage) will be reinstalled in a new position behind the front wall of the church, above the choir stalls.

A description of the work planned is on the Phase Two page.

How you can help

• Pray for those involved in the project.
• Support St Mark's 2000 events.
• Think of ideas for fund raising.
• Make a regular donation or a one-off gift using the brown St Mark's 2000 envelopes.
• Pick up a yellow box from the church for any odd change that you have spare.

Last updated: 4th September, 2008
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