Welcome to St. Mark's

Almost a half-century ago, a flyer addressed to:

“Interested Pagans,
Bored Christians,
and Others”

appeared on the doorsteps of Capitol Hill. Obviously this wasn’t just another traditional pitch for a church. The flyer reflected a new energy emanating from a 19th-century edifice that, like many of the row houses around it, was perceived by some as past its prime. The author was a new rector who—with a small but determined band of parishioners—worked to reinvigorate a moribund parish. They brought a then-revolutionary approach to Christian education into the church, along with modern dance, plays, concerts, art shows, and social activism efforts. They preserved the late-Victorian beauty of the building but ushered out the old-fashioned fixed pews in favor of flexible seating that allows worship services to be set up around a central, movable altar. That act itself may be the ultimate in historic restoration work, for it harkens back to practices of the earliest Christians.

Today our nave is where we live as a congregation and a community. It is where we eat, dance, celebrate theater and the arts, and worship in the round. This flexible space is a reminder that all aspects of life from baptism to burial take place in the presence of God. For many of us, the parish of St. Mark’s is truly…

...a modern jewel in a Victorian gift box.

A Message from Our Rector

On behalf of St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill, we extend a warm welcome. Regardless of your faith tradition, St. Mark's offers you an open community and a supportive environment to pursue your individual spiritual journey. Both skeptics and believers find a home here.

As you explore our web site, you will find that we are an active parish. A guiding principle in all our activities is collaborative ministry between the Clergy and our members. This collaboration provides for lay participation and leadership jointly with the Clergy as we plan our worship services, address real-life concerns through our Christian Education program, express ourselves through the Arts, serve others in our community, and reach out to and take care of each other.

We are delighted that you are interested in St. Mark's and hope you find your place here. We wish you love and peace on your journey.

Reverend Paul R. Abernathy