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St Mark's > St Mark's 2000

St Mark's 2000

Introduction | Phase One | Phase Two

Introduction

Why? | What have we gained? | What has changed?

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 has provided a similar opportunity to make St Mark's a place more suitable for worship now and in future years.

The building work was split into two phases, both of which are now complete: the first phase covered the church, vestibule, and forecourt, while the second phase, completed in November 2012, covered the changes to the rear premises. The last service prior to the first part of 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. The halls and community rooms were rededicated during a service on Saturday 17th November 2012.

Why?

• The church and the hall were 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 have we gained?

• 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?

• Two new sets of double glass doors were 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 was rearranged to provide a flower "cupboard" with a sink, a meeting/family room, and a foyer.
• Moving the organ pipes from their old position increased the space inside the church.
• The new double glass doors, where the sanctuary area used to be, directly link the church to the hall.
• The toilets were rearranged and refurbished, including a separate disabled toilet.
• The corridor in the hall was widened to about double its previous width, and leads to steps (fitted with a chair lift) going up to the new door into the church.
• The minister's vestry was enlarged.

Photos of the premises before and after the work, as well as pictures of work in progress, are on the Phase One and Phase Two pages.

Reinstalling the organ pipes (currently in storage) in a new position behind the front wall of the church, above the choir stalls, will be a future piece of work.

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