Our Church
We are located less than two hours east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our parish is in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.
We are glad that you have come to visit us today and encourage you to take a moment and bookmark our site so that you can visit us often.
St. Mark's is a traditional parish in liturgy and architecture, but a progressive parish in organization and community involvement. Each month dozens of our members work tirelessly and creatively with others in our community to combat hunger, homelessness, racism, and other significant issues. By the power and grace of God, we are seeing the Kingdom of God unfold in our community.
We are excited about what the Holy Spirit is doing in our parish and in our community and we would love to share that excitement with you. If you are planning to relocate to our area, we would love the opportunity to talk with you. Please Email us or call us and we will help you make the most of your time here.
We are glad that you have come to visit. Peace be with you until we see you again!
Our History
Members of just five families gathered in Christian devotion on July 13, 1877, to observe the first service of record for what was later to become St. Mark’s Parish. The service was conducted by the Rev. William Robards Wetmore, who had pedaled a bicycle from Lincolnton for the occasion. It is thought that the name Mark was chosen for the new parish because there were already churches in the area named for St. Matthew, St. Luke, and St. John.
During the formative years of the parish, services were held in the old Academy on the north side of town, as well as the City Hall and the old YMCA building. A church building was erected on West Long Avenue and was consecrated on November 20, 1903, by the Rt. Rev. Junius M. Horner, Bishop of the Missionary District of Asheville. St. Mark’s officially became a parish in 1915 with an enrollment of 74 communicants.
Our Beliefs
As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
Core to our Beliefs
“It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9).
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).
The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
The Catechism
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
· Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419
· Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452
· Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438
· Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555
· Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467
Our Staff
Chris Kiser
Sexton
Don Carr
Assistant Treasurer
Steve Campbell
Treasurer
