A Mansfield church is to reach an important anniversary in its history on Wednesday, 26th May.

It will be 125 years since the laying of the foundation stone at St Mark’s Church by the Duke of Portland.

St Mark’s parish was created in 1889 to serve the expansion of the town.

The congregation originally met in mission rooms on Stockwell Gate and Quarry Lane.

By 1892 the mission rooms were not big enough to accommodate the growing number of people attending, so plans were made for a new church at the corner of Portland Street and Nottingham Road.

Money was raised, land was donated by the Duke of Portland, and it was reported that thousands of people attended the laying of the foundation stone.

During the ceremony many prayers were said.

Hymns were sung, including, appropriately, “The Church’s one foundation….”

St Mark’s Church was duly completed and it was opened for worship by the Bishop of Southwell on 24th November, 1897.