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HOME > History > History Club > Julia Barkley - St. Mark's Episcopal Church

History of St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Presentation to the Annandale History Club
2001
Julia Barkley

In 2001 Julia Barkley spoke to the History Club about St. Mark's Episcopal Church. It is the oldest Episcopal Church in the state that still holds services, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the Anglican church of England by background. Julia, a renown artist, brought a picture of it that she painted. She has been a member since 1950.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church was built in 1871 near the Longworth Resort, later sold to Beechers Resort, and it is now on the Camp Friendship grounds. It also has a cemetery beside it. The church building is used all year long but it is only open for regular services in the summer. The church bell rings at the start of the service from June to September. Members bring flowers, either wild flowers or from their own gardens. Rev. William Goddard comes out from the cities to preach there.

The church has the original pews of hand hewn lumber and it has the original kneeling benches. It is now electrified, but in earlier times it was lit by hurricane lamps and heated by a wood stove that is still in the church. Their greatest fear is that of fire.

The church holds about 50 people. Julia started playing the pump organ there in 1950. It now has a vacuum cleaner motor to push the air through it instead of pumping by foot. Everyone is welcome to come, but if someone wants to be married there one partner should be a member or intend to be a member there.

Julia told of the Danaher Wedding and other interesting stories. She told of the vandalism that happens there.

The service at St. Marks is 9:30 a.m. in the summer. Pete Spindler is in charge now. He also takes donations for the church.

Respectfully Submitted,
Barb Ostlund, Secretary

Annandale Online

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