About st. marks...

 

 

 

 

Meet Our Vicar...

Rev.Stephen Brook

Stephen has been at St. Mark's since 2003 having worked previously in the North West of England and overseas.

He came to a living faith in Christ as a student and sees his life's purpose as helping other people find Christ and feel his unconditional love.

He is married to Stella and they have three grown up children and one grand-child. 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Meet Our Associate Minister...

Rev.Helen Hornby

  

Helen has been at St. Mark's since 2010. 

She wants to see the church full of people who know God's unconditional love and unreserved forgiveness.

She has three grown-up children and two grand-children.

 

 

 

 

A Message from the Vicar...

Thank you for visiting our website.   This page gives you a taste of our Misson  and our rich History....

Our Mission is to be a Growing, all age Christ-Centred Community:

1.  Growing upwards towards God through renewed worship and Bible teaching.
2. Growing together as a united congregation based on caring cell groups.
3. Growing outwards into our local community and beyond, sharing the love of Christ through evangelism and service.

St Mark's belongs to the Church of England Diocese of Blackburn and the Deanery of Blackpool. It is an Evangelical Parish networked nationally with New Wine [Local churches changing nations], and linked with the Church Pastoral Aid Society- our Patrons responsible for the appointment of new Vicars.  Our church is in the process uniting with St. Luke's Church, Staining to form the new parish of "St. Mark's Layton and St. Luke's Staining" which will serve a population of over 18,000 on the east side of Blackpool.

  On a local level St. Mark's also belongs to two particular support groups of churches:

 1. THE 5ACT GROUP: made up of Anglican Parishes in "central" Blackpool which are committed to work together for mutual support and joint mission. We are partnered with St Luke's Church, Staining with whom we share our Vicar.

 2. CHURCHES TOGETHER LAYTON: made up of the main Denominations in the area (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist and United Reform Church). We hold a bi-monthly Joint Sunday Service at 6.30pm.

Our History 1927-

The Parish Church of St. Mark, Layton was built in 1927 and has provided a place of worship ever since.  We hope that you will visit and that in the beauty of the impressive surroundings you may find some quiet moments to reflect and pray.

The building is also home to a vibrant Christian Community with many activities that you will be made to feel most welcome at.  We extend a warm welcome to our regular Worship Services (Weds and Sundays) and our other activities.

Historically speaking, the Church of St.Mark, Layton is a young church compared to many but it has a close link with local history because Layton Village was mentioned in the Norman Era! (The years 1066-1154 AD). The Rev. E.T.WIlliams and the architect Mr E.E Dennis were fully aware of this fact and designed the "Church on the Hill" on Norman Architecture featuring the strong designs of that period. 

The original plans included a Bell Tower and North & South Transcepts. It was planned to seat 800 people. The cost was approximately £45,000. This amount of money was out of reach at the time so something had to be altered to fit a budget of £17,000-£20,000! All the original designs for the main body of the Church remained, leaving provision  for further building at some future date. So in 1925 the building of the Church began using Rainhill Red Sandstone (also used in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral). 

The Church was blessed that the builders, J.R Fielding & Sons had the services of Mr Tom Roberts, master stonemason and wood-carver Mr J.R Bell.  Spurred on by the enthusiastic Rev. Evans, the building was completed in time for the newly-enthroned Bishop of Blackburn, Dr. Percy Herbert, to consecrate the Church of St Mark, Layton on 27th September, 1927. 

The building is impressive, as you go round, take time to appreciate the vision of the people, the work of the builders and marvel at the craftsmanship of the stonework and the carvings. Tom Roberts fixed 9,000 cubic feet of stone in addition to the carvings seen particularly in the Sanctuary and the carvings of J. R. Bell add even greater beauty to our place of worship.

 

We hope to see you soon!

May God Bless You,

 

Revd. Stephen.E. Brook

St Mark's Vicarage

163 Kingscote Dr

Layton

Blackpool, Lancs

FY3 8EH

01253 392895

Email: revstephenbrook@gmail.com