The Story of St. Mark’s Church

A Personal Reflection by Mary Stubbs

In the early 1970s, when Putnoe and Brickhill were expanding rapidly, the Church of England and the Methodist Church were in talks about closer union, and there was much encouragement and co-operation for establishing a joint church. Methodists operating a Sunday School in Scott School and Anglicans worshipping in Brickhill School were drawn together, and North Brickhill and Putnoe became an ‘area of ecumenical experiment’ with two Church Centres at Putnoe Heights Church and Park Wood School, Brickhill. There was a youth club in Scott School and study groups and other meetings in people’s homes. We had a full time Church of England Priest- in-Charge and a Methodist Minister.

Those early days had an atmosphere of excitement and challenge. Christians were talking, writing, preaching and praying about unity - we had an opportunity to demonstrate it. In Brickhill we all made a fresh start. We had a secular school dining hall with a table, small cross, Bible, the bread and wine, people from both denominations sharing in reading and praying in Methodist and Anglican communions, all meeting round the table in a circle symbolising our unity and fellowship.

We made further progress when we moved into a dual purpose hall on the Calder Rise site in 1977. The hall was used on Sundays for worship and junior church and on weekdays for many different communal activities. The altar, chairs, tables and lectern were designed so that they could fit through a standard doorway into a side room, out of the way when necessary. The rest of the land was well used - members of the congregation cultivated allotments where the present church stands.

On Sundays we were committed to sacramental worship, preaching of the word and the development of junior church and youth activities. We sought to combine our differing traditions sensitively so that no one would feel that too much had been denied or undervalued. The nature of worship and our Sunday pattern were regularly reviewed at church councils. We agreed to use the Methodist hymn book because Methodists felt so strongly about hymns and to dedicate the church to a saint, following Church of England practice..

Through all our differing views and opinions about worship, ministry and church structures we developed understanding and trust and sharing was based on a willingness to deny ourselves. We liked the experience and enjoyed the freedom to experiment. Our first Joint Confirmation Service was in 1974. Although sometimes we felt insecure, deep down we knew that if it were God’s will then this partnership church would continue..

The decision in the 1980s to build the present church was a big step in faith. It was very much needed to enable our service to the community to expand and to cater for a larger congregation. Like the first hall it was a warehouse building, with luxuries like comfortable chairs and stained glass. We thought that meant an end to moving furniture every week after the service to make room for events during the week, but the development of community work in the Centre means the church is used again during the week. We are moving furniture again!

The last fifteen years have seen continuous growth, such as stronger partnership and planning with Putnoe Heights Church, the inter-availability of the ministers, more outreach into the community, refurbishment of our property and grounds to make them more effective and more voluntary organisations using the Centre. A Garden of Remembrance was consecrated in 1992 and in 1997 we decided to build a side chapel for quiet prayer and private meditation. The grounds include a play area for small children and a modular building at the side of the hall will extend further the space for community use. An extension was made to the Garden of Remembrance in 2002 to cope with the demand for a local place of burial and remembrance.

Over the years we had some disappointments, particularly in explaining ourselves to other churches. It seems difficult for some people to comprehend that two denominations can share two buildings, ministers, worship, pastoral care, finance, organisation and outreach. However the Church of England and Methodist Church are now well on the road towards national unity such as we have enjoyed here for many years.

People of all church backgrounds are equally welcome though we advertise our roots and our authority as parts of two national churches linked to the universal church. We are constantly seeking to deepen our faith and to find new ways of serving the people of Brickhill. We acknowledge the vision of our Ministers and leaders, many people who have given their time, talents and money and the encouragement of our parent churches. Most of all we acknowledge the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, God’s grace and faithfulness. To Him belongs all praise and glory.