St Mark's Chapel

Religious services in the Green Ponds district were first led by Mr W. Pike, the district’s catechist, together with Dr T. Gorringe, a layman. In those early days, services were held in local homes.

On 10th October 1827, residents met and agreed to raise funds for the construction of a wooden church. This building was officially opened for worship on 8th April 1830, when the Venerable Archdeacon W. G. Broughton dedicated the church and consecrated the burial ground. A large attendance was expected for the occasion. Mr. Anthony Fenn Kemp served as the first churchwarden.

The consecration, as noted in the church papers, appeared under St Mark’s at Dysart.

This modest wooden chapel served the community until 1846, when it was replaced by a more substantial stone building. The new church was dedicated to St Mary’s, as there was already a St Mark’s at nearby Pontville.

See No. 131