History of the Church
The Broomhill and Broomhall areas of Sheffield, to the west of the city centre, contained a mixture of residential housing in the Victorian years, including many magnificent mansions built for those whose fortunes were built upon steel, cutlery and other manufacturing industries. Today Broomhill is a very busy suburb containing the University of Sheffield, teaching hospitals, schools and a great mixture of housing, shops and businesses.
The first Church of England church in the area was an Iron Church, a temporary structure built in 1860 on the site of the present Church Green. In 1867 the parish came into being as a district separate from the Parish Church of Sheffield (now the Cathedral) and in 1871 the Victorian church of St. Mark was consecrated. The church was large, modelled on 14th century gothic design and could seat 950 people. The church perished in a fire caused by incendiary bombs dropped on the night of 12 December 1940. Only the tower and the spire remained in reasonable condition.
For over twenty years the site of the church remained derelict and worship was conducted in the church hall in Ashgate Road. There was some controversy over whether a new church would be built but the congregation of the time were determined that a new St. Mark's should arise from the ashes. Various designs were put forward. They are documented in Peter Pace's book on the architecture of his father, George Pace.
In 1963 the new hexagonal church was built to the design by George Pace and was hailed as a milestone in parish church architecture. There are two striking stained glass windows, the Te Deum, over the high altar, designed by Harry Stammers and the west window, an abstract designed by John Piper. In 1999 the church was given grade 2 listing by English Heritage and is open to the public on every day of the year.
Recent additions have included the provision of a downstairs kitchen and better meeting facilities. The church is used extensively for concerts and other gatherings.
In December 2000 St. Mark's took pastoral responsibility for the Broomhall area which was previously served by St. Silas Church. St Silas was closed on December 1st and St. Mark's serves as the Church of England church for the area bounded by the Ecclesall Road and the Ring Road.