A Vicar from Wrexham will set off on Sunday (29 May) to visit every Church in Wales church dedicated to St Mark by bike.

Canon Jonathan Smith, who is Mission Area Leader of Wrexham and Vicar of St Mark’s in Caia Park, is raising money for the church which is in need of substantial building work. St Mark’s is home to the local Foodbank and runs a holiday hunger project helping children to eat well during school holidays.

Jonathan and his wife, Elaine, will set off after the Sunday morning service, heading for St Mark’s Connah’s Quay, which is also in the Diocese of St Asaph. Elaine is riding the first leg of the nine church visit, and will offer back-up by car for the remainder of the tour.

Jonathan said: “The ride is in aid of St Mark’s Church, Caia Park which is celebrating 60 years since the consecration of its building. When the church was first formed it met in a community centre and worked hard to raise the funds for the building. Sixty years on and significant refurbishment work is required to ensure the church can continue to serve ‘The Park’ into the future. The area of Caia Park, formally known as Queens Park, has a strong community identity which strives hard against poverty and other social issues which affect many families. The need for a continued strong Christian presence to minister Christ’s love in word and deed is essential for the future. ”

On Monday 30 May Jonathan will head southwest to reach St Mark’s at Brithdir near Dolgellau, in the Diocese of Bangor. This church is not currently used for worship and is in the care of Friends of Friendless churches. It is a notable Arts and Crafts style church with pews of Spanish chestnut.

After an overnight stop in the university town of Aberystwyth, the ride continues to follow Cardigan Bay to reach St Mark’s, Gwenlli, just beyond the junction at Synod Inn. From there Jonathan will go southeast through hilly West Wales country to reach St Mark’s Cwm Coch, close to Cross Hands and the end of the M4 motorway. After a second overnight stop, he will make his way to the capital city, largely following the old A48, bringing him to St Mark’s Gabalfa. This distinctive church was built over fifty years ago to replace the original Victorian building which was demolished to make way for the Gabalfa interchange, an impressive road on three levels created to relieve Cardiff traffic jams. I worked here for 2 years as a ‘curate’ and still have friends in this church who will provide accommodation.

The next day, Jonathan will continue east to Newport and St Mark’s Goldtops, before the long trip back north. The next stop will be St Mark’s Llanhilleth near Abertillery. The final overnight stop will be in mid Wales before the last church of the ride is visited, St Mark’s Ysfa, a tiny church near Nantmel between Rhayader and Crossgates. From here the ride will conclude back at St Mark’s Wrexham on Friday evening.

If you would like to sponsor Jonathan you can visit the Just Giving Page or page directly into the St Mark’s bank account: St Marks Caia Park 40-47-26 HSBC 22614421 Business Account Ref Bike Ride. Cash and Cheques can be handed in at the church.

St Mark’s in Caia Park is part of the Wrexham Mission Area, one of the 19 Mission Areas in the Diocese of St Asaph which covers north-east and mid Wales.