“A lot of my family events took place in the church including my mam and dad’s wedding and I believe my own christening,” - just one of the fond memories sparked by our recent story on the revival of an historic Sunderland church.

Last week, we reported on how St Mark’s Church in Millfield, which had been closed for some time, has been repurposed for the future and put back into the heart of the community.

St Mark's has been brought back to life | Sunderland Echo

placeholder image — St Mark's has been brought back to life | Sunderland Echo

While St Mark’s Community Association operates from the neighbouring church hall at the site, the church building itself had been vacant for some time after opening as a place of worship more than 150 years ago.

Now, the Grade II-listed building has reopened as a community hub and is already home to seven non-profit organisations, who use the space for a variety of activities, from Dungeons and Dragons events and yoga to arts activities, a food bank, Millfield Community Collective and more, with the groups operating on different days throughout the week.

The church, off Hylton Road, was bought by Marengo Estates 18 months ago after the former Church of England place of worship was listed for sale by the Diocese of Durham.

The church is just off Hylton Road in Millfield | Sunderland Echo

St Mark’s has deep roots in Sunderland’s heritage and was commissioned by James Hartley in 1872 for the glass manufacturer’s workers, who lived around the Millfield area, to worship.

And our story on its new chapter sparked lots of fond memories with readers.

Posting on our Facebook page, Judith Freeman said: “Great to see it back in use. A lot of my family events took place in the church including my mam and dads wedding and I believe my own christening.”

Vivien Thompson: “I was married there by Jim Taylor in 1972. Lived yards away from it until 1993. My two children played in its grounds all their childhood.”

Anne Dedes : “A beautiful old church, glad to see it is going to be kept as a church.”

David Wilson: “I joined the choir at St. Marks in 1957 after St. Stephens closed, site of the present B&Q.

“Eventually becoming the organist until closure. Attending the reopening it was nice to see an open space for the up and coming activities. Mark is to be commended for bring this building back into the community and wish him well for the future.”

Stuart Dawson: “We were married at St Marks 1st August 1970 Rev Jim Taylor was the vicar. Nice to see it is being used again.”

Vivienne Blackburn: “So pleased to has not been pulled down & it has been renovated so well. This will be fantastic for the community.”

Richard Hone: “I was a chorister there under the auspices of Mr Warriner until 1967 when I joined the Army. Three generations of my family were baptized, married & had funeral services there. As a long exiled Wearsider, I’m so very pleased at this news.”

Marie Price: “I got married there 1980, lovely church and Ian Watson played organ. I am pleased to see that it is open again.”

Judith Porter: “My mam and dad were married there in 1945, and I was christened there a year later in 1946.”

Fred Elrick: “I joined the choir there 1970 to 1975. Mr Warriner my Headmaster at Green Terrace invited me to join. My auntie, Laura Cook, was a Sunday School teacher there late 60’s early 70’s. Happy days.”

Liz Davie: “I was in St Mark’s choir when I was 11yrs old. Father Taylor was the vicar. Mr Warrener was the organist and the vicarage was on the corner of St Mark’s Road opposite Aldi. It’s a nursing home now .”