HE led the way 40 years ago – and he’ll do so again.

Crucifer Norman Sabine

Crucifer Norman Sabine – who carries the cross during church services - will help St Mark’s Church in North End, Portsmouth, mark its 40th anniversary by leading a procession from the site of the old church to the current building.

It’s the same route as he took back on October 10, 1970, when the new St Mark’s Church was consecrated. Forty years later to the day (October 10, 2010), he’ll retrace his steps before a celebration service.

Former priests and members of the parish have been invited to the service, which will be led by the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, the new Anglican Bishop of Portsmouth. It starts at 10.30am.

The 40th anniversary celebrations will start the evening before, with a reunion concert by St Mark’s Choir and old friends, performing favourite choral anthems in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

The new church in Derby Road, North End, replaced a crumbling – though much-loved – 1870s building, nearby. It was designed by John Wells-Thorpe, in a modern ‘brutalist’ style.

It was intended to be ‘incarnational’ – combining ordinary humanity with the divine, just as Christians believe Jesus did. In 1970, the first vicar of the new building was the Rev Bill Sargent, who founded Portsmouth Housing Association.  

St Mark’s is now part of the North End Team Ministry, along with St Francis and St Nicholas churches, which is led by the team rector, the Rev Tom Kennar.  The church has a thriving congregation, a Sunday school and a 20-strong RSCM-affiliated choir.  But the building is used for much more than Sunday worship.

The community rooms, built under the worship area, are home to many local community groups. More recently a parish community café has opened, run by volunteers and offering good value food and a warm place for local people to make friends.  

Tickets for the reunion concert, at 7.30pm on October 9, cost £3, and are available on the door.

For more information visit www.northendteamchurches.org.uk or phone the parish office on 023 9266 5753.