St Mark's Story

St Mark's is a Church of England church that has served the Wimbledon community since 1880. It was founded by St Mary's, Wimbledon, "to serve the poor working-class people in the crowded area near the station". Today we continue that tradition of service as part of Wimbledon Parish.
The original late Victorian church was destroyed by fire in 1966; the cause was never established. Beyond repair, it was quickly demolished, and the bold decision was taken to replace it with a striking modernist building. Designed by Humphreys & Hirst and David Nye & Partners, with glass by the distinguished artist Keith New, the new church was dedicated in 1969 and remains an excellent example of post-war church architecture.
Additional halls and offices were added in the 1980s to support the church's growing community activities. The Millennium "Across 2000" project restored the church's cross, which had previously been removed after becoming unsafe, and created a link between the church, hall and garden.
St Mark's has a long-standing commitment to welcome and inclusion. Revd Elizabeth Morse served here from 1994, the year women were first ordained as priests in the Church of England, and in 1996, at a time when few clergy were open about being gay, we appointed Revd Chris Eyden as our vicar. We continue to be part of the Inclusive Church movement.
Today St Mark's is both a place of worship and a community hub. Alongside Sunday and Wednesday services and regular study groups, the building hosts choirs, art exhibitions, music workshops, dance classes and children's activities, ensuring that it is in daily use by people from across the local community.