FAQs
Where is St. Mark's located?
St. Mark's is at the corner of 3rd and A Streets, SE on Capitol Hill, just behind the Library of Congress Adams Building and two short blocks from Pennsylvania Avenue. The closest Metro station is Capitol South (Blue/Orange lines) and we are within 15 minutes walking distance of Eastern Market (Blue/Orange lines) and Union Station (Red line) stations.
Can I have my wedding at St. Mark’s?
Information about weddings can be found here.
How do I have my child baptized at St. Mark’s?
St. Mark’s schedules baptisms on four Sundays throughout the church year, usually on Low Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, and soon after Epiphany. Parents should plan to attend four Sundays of Baptism Class beforehand. More information can be found here.
Is there parking at the church?
Yes, but parking is limited. Most people driving to St Mark’s depend upon street parking in the neighborhood, both free and metered. Please pay attention to signs for any restrictions.
St. Mark’s does have a very small parking lot with an entrance on A Street, SE. For Sunday services, we ask that the lot be used only by those with special needs. During the week (Monday-Friday, 7am – 5:30pm), the parking lot is reserved for St. Mark’s staff and clergy only. At all other times, parking for St. Mark’s activities is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who do I contact about reserving a room, renting space, or submitting an item for the calendar at St Mark’s?
Please contact the Parish Administrator for Programs and Facilities or 202-543-0053 ext 306. More information can be found here.
What/where is Baxter House?
Baxter House, located at 118 Third Street SE, around the corner from the church, houses our church offices and meeting space for church activities. It is named for our former rector, Bill Baxter.
What is the Undercroft?
“Undercroft” is a fancy word for basement. Ours, located in the church building, has classrooms, restrooms, a large meeting room, a library and the nursery.
What is a Pillar?
The word “Pillar” at St Mark’s refers to one of the five major program areas of the parish. Each is led by a volunteer chair or co-chairs.
• Christian Education is responsible for youth Sunday School and adult education.
• Worship works with the Clergy to plan and conduct our Sunday services.
• Outreach is our ministry of social justice to the community and to the world.
• Arts coordinates activities such as the St. Mark’s Players, the Dance Studio, the Yoga Studio, and other interest groups and exhibitions.
• Parish Life supports various parish social groups and activities such as the Parish Picnic in September, the summer Crab Feast, and the Mardi Gras dance.
How do I become a member?
You can become a member of St. Mark’s by making an annual pledge of financial support in an amount that you discern; there is no minimum or maximum limit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Parish Administrator for Finance and Membership, 202.543.0053, ext. 305.
Does St. Mark’s clergy perform adult baptisms?
Yes. You should schedule a meeting with the Rector to discuss receiving this meaningful sacrament. Often our adult baptisms are performed during an Easter Vigil service held Holy Saturday, the day before Easter; you may also be baptized on a Sunday when baptisms are scheduled. Click here for more details.
What is the Nave?
“Nave” is a term for the space that some other churches refer to as the “Sanctuary.” At St. Mark’s, this sacred space is used for worship, theater, concerts, dance recitals and parish parties, as we view all of our life in community as sacred. We also share the space with community organizations. It is a historic and architecturally significant space. Read more about it here.
Where is the Parish Hall?
The Parish Hall is located east of the Nave. When leaving the Nave through the entrance to the left of the high altar, follow the hall to your right as it winds to the double doors into the Parish Hall.
Where is the nursery?
The nursery is in the lower level, or Undercroft, in the southeast corner. On Sundays, it is staffed by a contract employee and volunteers and is generally open from 8:45 AM to 12:30 PM. When there is only one service at 10:00 AM, from 9:45 AM to 11:30 AM.
What is Func Ed?
“Func Ed” is short for an educational discipline called Functional Education. This is a structured approach that has been found useful at St. Mark’s to help people gain insight into life’s issues and develop ways to “engage boldly” in the world. It is a core part of our Christian Education program.
What is the Shelter Program?
During July and August, St. Mark’s provides hospitality to two homeless families who come to us from the Capitol Hill Group Ministry’s Congregation-based Shelter Program. Each family makes a temporary home in one of our Sunday school rooms in the Undercroft. Parishioners host these families by spending the night in the Undercroft and/or bringing dinner.
What is Grate Patrol?
The third Sunday each month, a St Mark’s team of parishioners makes about 180 bag dinners to be distributed that evening to homeless people by the Salvation Army Grate Patrol. The name comes from the fact that many of those served sleep on the heating vent grates in the National Mall area. You can learn more about local service projects here.
What is a “Beadle?”
Many churches will call this person an usher or greeter; Beadle is an English church term. You can learn more about this and other volunteer positions at St. Mark's here.