As Incumbent of the Parish of St. Mark let me welcome you to our website. I hope that even through this electronic connection you get a sense of our openness to all who come to explore the possibility of worshipping God and serving God's people with this congregation.

We, the current congregation of St. Mark, are deeply indebted to those generations who have gone before us in this place giving witness to the love of God and the majesty of his wondrous works. As you will note from our history we are a congregation that dates back over 180 years, still gathering in a building of that same age. To any who have hit our site from Britain this may sound like a mere drop in the bucket, where anniversaries of 900 years and more are becoming common place, but given that St. Mark's is a frame church, heated for much of its life by wood fires and sitting in a small town where the fire department is still largely volunteer, this is quite amazing. The climate itself is hard on frame buildings and yet the "Sentinel on the Hill" still stands above the bustling business area of Port Hope.

But more significant than the loving preservation of the delightful church building and its beautiful grounds, is the ongoing life and ministry of the people. St. Markers have long taken leading roles in the life of the town and surrounding area. Their sense of social responsibility has had an impact on the lives of many people, particularly in the area of housing for seniors and the developmentally challenged. Beyond the immediate community we have taken a lead in the Diocesan programme, Faithworks, which provides funding for many social agencies in the diocese and around the world.

This commitment to outreach is nurtured by a liturgical life which has been, especially in recent decades, anglo-catholic in nature and supported by a fine musical tradition. The interior of the building is unique and striking in its beauty while remaining faithful to its architectural heritage and with its wonderful natural light and outstanding acoustics provides a sacred space that nourishes both body and soul and enhances our worship offered to the Glory of God.

If you have the opportunity to join us here at St. Mark's we trust that you will find a warm welcome, a nurturing liturgy and a challenge to go out into the world with renewed commitment to serve God's people.

May God richly bless you,
Margaret Tandy