A new book on the history of St Mark's Church in Portadown launched at Armagh Robinson Library. Very Rev Shane Forster, the library's keeper, welcomed attendees at the event.

Viscount Mandeville provided land for the church construction and £1,000 in funding in Portadown. Parish minutes record the first Easter Vestry on March 29, 1826. The church received consecration on November 14, 1826.

The publication, covering 1826 to 2026, marks the church's bicentennial. Rev William Orr wrote the foreword. He noted the rector and Select Vestry of Drumcree Church of Ireland established the congregation in central Portadown in 1826.

Orr stated the church has accumulated stories from thousands of individuals over two centuries. Copies went to representatives from Portadown Library, the Cultural Heritage Service Library, and Armagh Robinson Library during the launch.

The book sells for £15. Contact the parish office at 028 3836 2294 or [email protected] to purchase.