Stained Glass Window Fallen 1914-18 St. Mark

St. Mark’s Church (Demolished)

Destroyed by vandals

1914-18

Dedicated 22nd November 1919 by the Dr. Moule, Bishop of Durham.

H. Rhodes, A.R.C.A., a former chief assistant of the South Shields Art School.

Stained glass window of five lights.

The design “represents a departure from the stereotyped lines of much modern work, both in scheme of colour and arrangement of figures.

“The subject of the design is “Victory and Peace” and shows the Prince of Peace enthroned in majesty, whose ceaseless struggle on earth was to give to men salvation and the religion of peace and goodwill.

To the right of the Saviour, the design shows an angel liberating the dove of peace, while to the left angels make melody in thankfulness and joy for this glorious liberation.

Included in the design are two heavenly messengers, who bring to the mourners the assurance of the heavenly reward and comfort. In the lower portion of the window are panels representing the arts of peace, and also in this portion of the window are written the names of those of St. Mark’s parish who fell in the war.

The tracery contains symbols of the Trinity and of the Holy Communion.”

1. The church was made redundant. The final service was 26th March 1961. The parish was combined with that of St.Jude, and the boundaries of St.Mark, St. Jude and Holy Trinity were adjusted. It was hoped that the money from the sale of the church would go towards the building of a new Church of St.Cuthbert and St. Mark.

2. The parish of St.Mark’s dated from 1868 when the mission was started in an upper room of some cottages in Cambridge Street. In 1870 an iron church was opened but was destroyed by fire. The foundation stone of the permanent church was laid in 1873 and the church was consecrated in May 1875.

3. The church was very badly vandalized and the stained glass windows were smashed.

Illustrated Chronicle
24/11/1919 reports unveiling with photo shown here.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle
24/11/1919 reports dedication.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
29/11/1919 page 10

Shields Daily Gazette
24/11/1919 reports unveiling.

South Shields Gazette
16/03/1961 reports closure of redundant church and mentions that the window had already been smashed by vandals;
14/11/1961 contains a letter from Gordon R. Berriman, Vicar of South Shields and Rural Dean, describing the situation.