The church is an early, mature expression of the Gothic Revival style in the United States and represents the leading architectural and ecclesiological movements that defined the following century. The church’s hand-built un-plastered, hammer-dressed stone walls and open-timbered, visible roof structure made a statement about the power of craftsmanship in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. Guided by progressive social conscience for over a century, Saint Mark’s supported the working class, launched an early pastoral response to the AIDS crisis, and was an early advocate for women’s ordination in Philadelphia.

Community engagement continues to be a core tenet of Saint Mark’s work. For over 40 years, St. Mark’s has dedicated itself to serving food to families in need. The congregation feeds over 200 people dealing with food insecurity every Saturday and provides grocery staples to at least 100 families each month. The parish also founded St. James School, a tuition-free middle school for children from underserved communities. Saint Mark’s is proud to host robust music programming through a summer youth choir camp and an all-volunteer choral ensemble. 

A National Fund grant of $150,000 with $300,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support the restoration of Saint Mark’s bell tower. This work will address urgent life safety risks posed by loose material and deteriorating stone as the congregation approaches its 175th anniversary. The congregation sees this project as a testament to the “staying power” of Saint Mark’s Church and its commitment to the neighborhood following the pandemic. 

Saint Mark’s Church by Gab Machado