Saint Mark's Church

Saint Mark's Church is known for its distinguished music program that graces its services, and lifts the spirits of parishioners and visitors alike.  The Choir of Saint Mark's is a semi-professional ensemble of 24 voices which sings the services for Solemn Mass, Feast Days and special services in this historic Center City Gothic Revival masterpiece build in 1847 by architect John Notman.

At Saint Mark's, it has now been the tradition for some years to offer both Advent and Christmas Lessons and Carols, on the first Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve afternoon respectively.  This recording is a selection of some favorites, both traditional and contemporary from those services, as well as an inspiring organ improvisation by Matthew Glandorf.

1. Alma Redemptoris (Mater Plainsong<Tonus Simplex, Mode V)
2. E'en so Lord Jesus (Paul Manz, 1919 - 2009)
3. Ich bin eine Stimme eines Rufers (Melchior Vulpius, ca 1570-1615)
4. Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming (Hugo Distler, 1908-1942)
5. In Winter's Heart (Chandler York, b. 1978)
6. Love came down at Christmastime (Matthew Glandorf, b. 1972)
7. Seek him that maketh the Seven stars (Johathan Dove, b. 1959)
8. Magnificat from the First Service (Robert Parsons ca. 1535 - 1572)
9. 9. Tomorrow shall be my Dancing Day (Gustav Holst, 1874 - 1934)
10. Ave Maria (James Testa, b. 1948)
11. Resonet in Laudibus (Anthony Mosakowski, b. 1970)
12. The Road to Bethlehem (Michael Head, 1900 - 1976)
13. "Andujar" A Stable Lamp is Lighted (David Hurd, b. 1950)
14. Improvisation on "Alma Redemptoris Mater"

If you are interested in purchasing a CD copy of "Seek Him", please contact Megan Gallagher at mgallagher@saintmarksphiladelphia.org.



The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania has allowed Saint Mark's to adopt the Church of Saint James the Less as a mission of our parish.  Saint James the Less was vacated more than two years ago by its congregation following lengthy litigation with the diocese.  The parish had grown disaffected with the diocese and the Episcopal Church.

The work of restoring worship and ministry to this beautiful place in a demanding part of the city now falls to Saint Mark's and those partners we can gather to work with us.  The first important steps will involve prayer and discussion to discern what ministry God is calling us to, as well as efforts to reach out to the local community.

More news will be posted about our ministry at Saint James the Less as it takes shape.