Heritage Open Days

Guided Tours of the 1868 Church by architect Richard Suter, making it one of Queensland's oldest churches having recently celebrated 150 years from the laying of the foundation stone, gold coin donation.

By 1940, a number of extensions had been completed to the original Church built from sandstone quarried near the Womina-Willowvale Road north of Warwick. Static and large screen display will illustrate the changes.

The second of the "Apostle of the Downs", Archdeacon Benjamin Glennie's "Gospel Churches", St. Mark's holds great significance in the development of the region. Family names such as Leslie, Morgan, Clark, Spreadborough, Deuchar, Wild, Grayson, Slade and Daveney amongst others, are linked with the history of St. Mark's.

Heritage features include the architecture and stained glass windows by the renowned artist, William Bustard. Many of these windows are memorials and several have been restored this year with funding from related families and the community through Parish organisation fundraisers. Other memorials in the Church include the pipe organ with marble plaques dedicated to those of the Parish who died in WW1.

Guides will also point pout the significant restoration work undertaken since 2015. Copies of the history book "Living Stones: 150 years of St. Mark's Church", launched in 2018 will be available $30 for sale (Cash only).

- A 150th Commemorative Photobook album will be available for attendees to relive the celebrations in the Parish.

- A unique opportunity to tour the c.1878 Rectory will also be available this year only either before or after the Church Tour.

- Afternoon Teas will be available from 1:30 to 3:30pm on the Rectory Veranda.

- A special function "Twilight at the Rectory" on Friday 26 April 5:30 to 8:30pm will offer food included in the entry at the door with cash bar, enjoying the ambience of the Rectory and Church grounds whilst enjoying the sounds of the string quartet, "Four Bows".