St. Mark's Church, Portadown.

Image: © P Flannagan Taken: 1 Oct 2007

St. Mark's Church, formerly known as The Church Of St. Martin until around 1872, was built in 1826 in blackstone with sandstone dressings and Cruciform in plan. The site on which it now stands, was very generously given by Viscount Mandeville, later, The Duke Of Manchester. On November 14th 1826, the church was consecrated. With the population of Portadown steadly growing, the church was greatly enlarged in 1862 and again in 1886, it was practically rebuilt, giving a seating capacity for 1,000 people. The Nave and the Tower were left unfinished. In 1928, what was left of the old Tower, was demolished. A new taller Tower was built as a Memorial to all who lost their lives in the 1914 - 1918 war. In 1930, the Nave was extended and a Carillon(-lyon) of 15 bells were presented by various donors, one, the gift of Thomas Street Methodist Church. The bells are still played regularly by a few Capanologists and also provide the chimes on the hour, and every quarter of an hour, for the Municipal 3-faced clock which was given by the Portadown Urban Council after the new Tower was built.

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