A short history
St. Mark’s is located on a parcel of land which was part of a property of 335 acres owned by the well known evangelical clergyman, farmer, grazier and magistrate, Samuel Marsden (1765-1838).
In 1792 Thomas Tynan had acquired an original crown grant of 80 acres. This was later transferred to the Reverend Samuel Marsden in 1805. Subsequent to Marsden’s death, one of his children, Jane Catherine Marsden, received the 80 acres. On 20 Sept 1881 she transferred 3roods, 14 and one fifth perches of her land to the Bishop of Sydney, Frederick Barker.
In addition to her portion, her nephew, Edward Marsden Betts, would transfer to the same Bishop of Sydney, 25 and four fifth perches of land on 18 July 1881.
Their combined contribution would comprise of 4 roods. Thus the original land site would total one acre.
It would not be until much later that a parcel of land at the rear of 688 Victoria Road would be acquired, further enlarging the property to its present size.
On Saturday, 17 December, 1881, the cornerstone was laid by Mrs Richard Terry.
On 14 March 1883, the Church was formally opened by The Rev Dr William Cowper (1810-1902) Archdeacon and Dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral of Sydney.
On that same day, there were 2 baptisms [Richard Stevens & Emily Atkins] . The service was led by the Reverend George McIntosh.
The old baptismal register shows that the main church-goers were orchardists and farmers. They were also a mix of convicts and free settlers. People of the likes of Spurway, Cowell, Fitzgerald, Darvall and Atkins et al are more well known as local street names, but they were real local identities whose names are also etched in the stain glass windows.
n.b. In 1883, the 15th Governor of New South Wales was Sir Augustus Loftus (1879-1885). Archbishop Frederick Barker had died in 1882 and Bishop Alfred Barry would not be consecrated until 1884 leaving Dean William Macquarie Cowper as Diocesan Administrator
In 1885 the Parish of Pennant Hills with Ermington was severed from the Parish of Ryde.
In 1918 St. Mark’s was attached to St. Phillip’s Eastwood.
In 1926 St. Mark’s was then attached to St Columb’s West Ryde.
It would not be until 1st March 1960 that St Mark’s would have status in its own right as the Provisional of St. Mark’s, Ermington and St. Luke’s Rydalmere. The Curate -in-Charge was the Reverend William Dumbrell (1960-1963)
In 1904 the chancel and vestry were added. The chancel cornerstone was laid on 16 July 1904 and the extension dedicated by Archbishop William Saumarez Smith on Sept 10 1904.
Electricity was installed in 1926. Originally it was lit by kerosene lamps.
In 1972 the portico was added.
The church was consecrated on 14 May 1972 by Archbishop Loane. It is also to be noted that Dr Loane preached his very first sermon at St.Mark’s in 1932 as a first year student from Moore College.
In 1956 a house was purchased as the first Rectory, located at 690 Victoria Road.
This would later be sold to buy the current Rectory which stands at the rear of the church block. It was dedicated by Archdeacon R.G. Fillingham on 10 September 1967
The Rev. G. McIntosh remains as the longest serving Minister. His association with St Mark’s goes back to 1883. He was made rector in 1885 and served until 1903.
