Issuu

THE RUBRIC

STO R I E S O F M I N I ST RY

SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL, SEATTLE, WA FALL 2026, VOL. 83, NO. 2

GREETINGS from the DEAN

Saint Mark ’s episcopal cathedral welcome inspire transform serve Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

THE VERY REV. STEVEN L. THOMASON Dean & Rector EVANS OUSLEY Editor, Design, & Photography KEVIN JOHNSON Photography

The Rubric is a publication of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, which celebrates who we are as a community—as a parish, as a cathedral for the Diocese of Olympia, as Episcopalians, and as Christians.

Dear friends,

century ago, Bishop Arthur Huston and the Diocese of Olympia called Saint Mark’s to serve as its cathedral (see article pg. 19 in this issue). That designation did not arise from thin air. St. Mark’s Parish, founded in 1889, had grown into the diocese’s largest congregation, moving twice in short order and expanding its worship space on Capitol Hill to accommodate the burgeoning membership. The third building, where we worship today, would take another five years to open for worship, but the seeds of faithfulness had been sewn from Saint Mark’s origins in a small one-room building at Fifth and Stewart where worshippers spilled out across the threshold in “standing-room-only” style.

Saint Mark’s was committed from the outset to the work of justice and outreach, leading efforts in the city to address food insecurity, housing, health care and child welfare, and a host of peace initiatives as adherents to what we now call the “social gospel.” So, it is a natural trajectory that today Saint Mark’s continues its active witness in and to the world in tangible ways, some of which are described in this issue. Saint Mark’s was also founded on the principle that there would be no pew rents, a widespread practice in 18th and 19th Century America of reserving seats or pews based on one’s social status and financial support of the church. The founders of what would become this cathedral insisted that every seat was open and available to any who would seek to worship here. The 21st Century translation of that commitment is guided by our well-worn statement: Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here. Not you are welcome in the back row, or in the standing room behind it, or in the periphery, but simply, you are welcome. The equitable commitments to a gospel of liberating justice and a baptismal covenant insisting on respect and dignity for all undergird our resolve to radical welcome. The Body is richer for its diversity and inclusion. I marvel at the faithfulness of this generation and its commitment to our values-driven mission to be a house of prayer for all people and a gathering place for the diocese and broader community. I celebrate the seeds of that faithfulness that were sewn from our very origins, and the fruit borne across the generations since. And I am imminently hopeful that our faithfulness in this time will lay the foundation for future generations who will call this place their cathedral, their spiritual home, embracing the long-held mission in their own right. I am, Faithfully yours,

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, Dean & Rector

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

✴ indicates livestreamed service

sundays SUN DAYS 8 a.m. The Holy Eucharist 9 a.m. The Holy Eucharist 11 a.m. ✴The Holy Eucharist 4:30 p.m. ✴ Choral Evensong ( first Sunday of the month, October–May) 7 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist ( September–May) 9:30 p.m. The Office of Compline broadcast on king 98.1 fm W EE K DAYS monday–friday, 7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer online via Zoom monday–friday, 6 p.m. Evening Prayer online via Zoom monday, 6:30 p.m. Cathedral Yoga in person in the cathedral nave tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Contemplative Prayer in person in the cathedral nave wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Cathedral Commons in-person Evening Prayer in McCaw Chapel, followed by a community supper and a forum or presentation, usually also available online via Zoom

FALL 2026

Contents 4 A CAPITAL 14 BLOEDEL HALL— CAMPAIGN UPDATE LEGACY & LIGHT 6 THE ‘IT’ OF COMPLINE ENDURES

Celebrating 70 Years of Compline at Saint Mark’s

8 FORMED BY SONG The Cathedral Schola as Christian Formation

10 A SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY 11 MANY BODIES IN CHRIST

LGBTQ+ Ministry at Saint Mark’s

16 CULTIVATING DIVERSE COMMUNITY: STEPS ALONG THE WAY Ecumenical and Interfaith Collaboration at Saint Mark’s

18 REFLECTIONS ON FORMATION AT SAINT MARK’S 19 100 YEARS AS A CATHEDRAL COMMUNITY

thursday, 7:30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist in person in Thomsen Chapel (first, third, and fifth Thursdays of each month)

on the cover: Palm Sunday above: Sunday Worship

A Capital Campaign Update

ver 18 months ago, Saint Mark’s Vestry launched the Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future capital campaign to build upon the important work done in the Living Stones I campaign.

The Living Stones II campaign is guided by three key missional values: Creation Care & Carbon Reduction, Enhancing Welcome & Worship Experience, and Making Lasting Investments in Music. Here are updates on all three objectives:

Creation Care & Carbon Reduction This summer, guided by Cathedral Subdean Marc Aubertin, Saint Mark’s undertook the HVAC retrofit of Bloedel Hall and Cathedral House to replace aging gasburning boilers. This work reached well beyond the most familiar spaces (Bloedel Hall and Kitchen, staff offices, the choir room, and the children’s room) to areas in the cathedral crypt below the nave, including the Chapel of the Resurrection, the Facilities Workshop, and the Archives. Before the new system could be added, a great deal of old infrastructure had to be removed: two boilers, dozens of feet of ductwork and hot-water plumbing, more than 30 radiators, and the lower perimeter ceiling of Bloedel Hall. The contractor, Johansen Mechanical, drilled nearly 100 openings through concrete floors and plaster walls to accommodate new ductwork, refrigerant

piping, condensate plumbing, and electrical conduits. The project also added a new ceiling in Bloedel Hall with integrated sustainable lighting and low-voltage electronics, all supported by multiple mechanical units. This summer’s project in Cathedral House is a harbinger for a much larger project in cathedral nave and narthex, which will occur in 2027, moving Saint Mark’s evercloser to its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions on campus by 2030. The Cathedral Vestry has engaged Abbott Construction as general contractor for this larger project, and Spectrum Development Solutions is the Cathedral’s Owner’s Rep and Project Manager.

Enhancing Worship Experience While a new HVAC system will make the cathedral nave much more welcoming for worship in the cold and hot months, the Cathedral’s Design Committee, working with Abbott and Spectrum in a “design-build” effort, is exploring additional ways to improve the hospitality of our worship and entrance spaces. This will include bringing in more light through the front doors to the narthex and nave, updating the narthex bathrooms to include all-gender stalls, radiant floor heat, and a

new slate floor in the nave and narthex. The Design Committee will share additional updates in a Cathedral Commons forum on Wednesday, September 23 at 6:45 p.m. in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom.

Making Lasting Investments in Music From its seven choirs to the renowned Office of Compline and the mighty Flentrop Organ, Saint Mark’s is known across the Church for its remarkable music offerings. Raising funds to endow the Canon for Cathedral Music and the Director of the Compline Choir positions is a tangible investment in this music program that touches so many. As has been shared previously, Saint Mark’s has been offered a generous gift of an organ built in the lateRenaissance style, which will sit above the Compline Corner and enrich the tonal resources of the cathedral’s liturgical and musical life. Construction for the gallery, structural support, and new choir stalls in the Compline Corner will accompany the nave remodel.

All this work is inspiring and deeply important to the life of Saint Mark’s Cathedral. But even more moving is the support from cathedral households, Episcopal churches and their members, trusts, and foundations who have supported our shared vision. Before launching this campaign, Saint Mark’s conducted a feasibility study to determine what might be achievable from the list of critical projects. The study suggested that Saint Mark’s could raise $5-6 million. We ambitiously set our goal at $9 million, believing that God would move through this community and allow us to address our most urgent needs. As of September 1, 2026, we have raised $9,920,663—we are profoundly grateful. Given the natural increase in material and labor costs from initial estimates received in 2024 and in light of a few unanticipated challenges to a century-old building, the total fundraising goal to support these capital projects is now $10.5 million. The fundraising continues in the broader circles of cathedral supporters, guided by the scriptural exhortation to every generation in the Church, including ours:

“Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 2:5 Thank you to all who have become one of the living stones that support this spiritual house, now and into the future.

THE ‘IT’ OF COMPLINE ENDURES: Celebrating 70 Years of Compline at Saint Mark’s by Evans Ousley & Dr. Jason Anderson

N 1984, Peter Hallock, the founder of the Compline Choir, tried to define the Office of Compline at Saint Mark’s in a Rubric article titled “The ‘It’ of Compline.” The service’s indescribable magnetism drew hundreds of people into the nave each Sunday night. He wrote that Compline is “a multi-dimensional experience consisting of a kind of harmonious, interdependent relationship between many elements and factors.” That multifaceted influential pull has endured for decades.

This August, Saint Mark’s celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Office of Compline. Alumni returned to join current members and others in the community for a festival banquet before a full Sunday of services led by the Compline Choir. Drawing almost 1,000 across all the celebratory events, the weekend honored the “many elements and factors” that make up the Compline experience: all who have sung in the choir, the addition of women’s voices to this service, a long-standing partnership with Classical KING, wonderful supporters, and a lasting Seattle tradition. For those within the Saint Mark’s community, it’s easy to forget how

unique this offering truly is. Those they are. As the Choir begins to voice who join in person are a diverse their prayers, listeners are granted a representation of Seattleites. Some peaceful end to the week. are Christians, some practice differThe Choir members are also filled ent religions, and yet others consider by this weekly ritual. Though many themselves nonbelievers. All are members make their living as progreeted at the door and invited to fessional musicians, the Choir are all settle however they are most comvolunteer singers. Scott Fiske, a bass fortable—upright in the pews or in in the choir, shares that “Compline pajamas on a blanket pallet on the is special because it is a service.” Not floor. Columns soar into the shadin the sense that it is a church service, owy ceiling as the singers’ voices but it is an offering, a way to be in bounce off the stone walls and wood service to the Compline community of the pews, adding to the mystique and the wider music community in of the experience. Each Sunday night, Seattle. In 2019, Rebekah Gilmore the sacred space of the nave becomes was asked to form a women’s exwhatever people need it to be. pression of the choir. The women Few churches in our country have a she called upon had been served service that draws in nonbelievers on by the Office and the dedication of a routine basis. Compline is poputhe singers for years, and they felt a lar in large part due to Saint Mark’s sense of privilege and responsibility Cathedral’s history of connecting to take part in this tradition. This dewith the wider Seattle community, votion is felt by all the singers in the including a 64-year partnership with choir—some join just for a few years, Classical KING. Just as this service is while others have spent most of their rare, so too is a live radio broadcast adult lives offering themselves up to that has been a part of the fabric of the Office. A younger member, Theo Seattle for over six decades. Classical Floor, reflected on his first impresKING allows those who cannot come sions when he joined: “I learned to Saint Mark’s each week to partake what it takes to do Compline [every in the beauty and stillness the Office Sunday night] for, in some cases, offers, no matter where in the world many decades, and it only increased

my admiration and awe for the Office and for [the Choir members.]” The dedication and commitment that the choir members have for Compline has been critical to the Office’s lasting impact. The Choir’s chaplain, Scott Kovacs, was concerned for the Office during the coronavirus pandemic. “There were moments when I wasn’t sure how we were going to keep it all together,” he remembers. It was in the late fall of 2020, when Kovacs was one of only two singers who chanted Compline privately to maintain the weekly prayers, that he realized the community would do whatever was needed to sustain this beloved community of prayer. “The chain of reciting Compline at Saint Mark’s Cathedral is unbroken because of the commitment of this group of people to ensuring that the Office would be chanted continuously. And that is a holy thing.”

It’s not surprising that the allure of Compline has lasted seven decades now. While it’s true that prayers do not need to be spoken—or sung— aloud, a large hole would remain in those left behind if this service were to cease. As Hallock concluded in his 1984 article, “the Compline service may find its best definition not in terms of what it is, but what it does, for the needs it fulfills for those who attend in person, the large radio audience, and members of the choir. For all of these it is part of the journey towards God.”

The Choir’s leadership maintains that Compline is first and foremost a community of prayer. The weekly service of Compline is not a performance, but a spiritual practice and an offering. The choir has 25 members, including director Jason Anderson, with 25 different ideas about God. “But as As was true in earlier periods of much as we differ in belief,” Kovacs Compline’s history, the heaviness shares, “we have the same practice… of the news calls us as humans— And the remarkable thing about that empathizers, meaning seekers, is that it is a bringing together of spiritual beings—to turn inward hearts and breath and souls.” Since and search for community, for its founding, Compline has been a purpose, for peace and hope, and way for the Choir’s members to seek, maybe for a bit of clarity in how we through music, spiritual nourishment move forward. Each Sunday night, and to nurture and care for the soul— Compline offers us the time and their own and those who listen to the space to do just that. Office. This concern for humanity and the world is at the heart of the Compline experience. Kovacs adds, “that active compassion, that blending  opposite The Compline Choir Men in of beliefs and ideas about what that June 2026 means, together, is a very special and  top Rebekah Gilmore directs the Compline Choir during the 70th Anniversary service unique thing that we’re fortunate that center The Compline Choir Women in we get to celebrate every week.” 2024 bottom Jason Anderson directs the Compline Choir Men in June 2026

FORMED BY SONG:

THE CATHEDRAL SCHOLA AS CHRISTIAN FORMATION by Rebekah Gilmore, Director of the Saint Mark’s Choir School

ACH Wednesday evening of the Choir School year, the faces of the Schola appear in the rehearsal room a mix of joyful, weary, and expectant emotions. In the high school Schola, choir members are encouraged to let the experience of breathing and singing together be balm for whatever is challenging them in their lives. Many of these singers have sung together since they were young children. The choristers of the Schola—the cathedral’s choir for teenagers—are newly changed voice tenors and basses, high school aged singers, and recently graduated teens. For 75 minutes each week, these oldest choristers of the Choir School rehearse choral technique and musicianship skills from vowel alignment and key signature identification to the constant discovery of the changing vocal production of any teenage voice. The choir will sight-read anthems, rehearse psalm settings and hymn descants, and prepare for a host of special events such as Cozy Compline for young children, Choir Festivals, the Pageant of the Nativity, and Diocesan Convention.

convey a different interpretation of the text, and the singers cared how they were proclaiming that scripture passage. Debates ensued. On another night, conversations about the meaning of anthem texts were gobbling up too many precious minutes of rehearsal, and there were notes to learn! This tension fueled me as the Choir School Director to find different approaches to engage and honor the desire for authentic prayer and leadership among our teens.

About eight years ago, a problem developed in Schola rehearsals. A particularly opinionated crowd of teens insisted on debating the fine points of text articulation or the handling of punctuation within the psalm settings for the coming Sunday. How they sang a certain phrase might

Christmas Eve, the Pageant of the Nativity, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and other special services in our liturgical life are led in part by the teens of the Schola. Anthems and chants with hundreds of musical notes and interpretive instructions

Schola Text Studies were birthed to offer the singers a Sunday afternoon gathering at a singer’s home where we would listen to and discuss the poetry or scripture passage with the paired composition found in one of our choir anthems while, of course, munching snacks. When changes to the 9 a.m. service’s liturgical language surprised the Schola and brought much debate, a spirited Text Study happened in my living room; the teens’ feedback then informed future edits of our shared liturgical language. A new reality was becoming evident: a significant part of youth formation at Saint Mark’s was happening within the rehearsals and other experiences of the Schola.

are delivered as polished art and as an aid to the assembly’s worship. When faced with the heavy musical lift these services require, it can be enticing to just get the job done: sing the correct notes with the correct phrasing in tune and in time. But our Saint Mark’s choirs are called to more than good music making. This singing is transformational work. What is the real, holy business we are doing in these liturgies? During the Pageant of the Nativity and our monthly Evensong services, the choristers sing the Song of Mary, the Magnificat. In preparation, they will have been asked to imagine the voice of the young woman, Mary, receiving life altering news—a young woman about the same age as these teen singers. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.” What is the character of a musical setting for

these words that best fits what they tradition? How is it unique in Seattle? A month later, Chris Brown, the father imagine Mary to be feeling as she Very few places in our lives offer the of one of our Schola singers, was sings them? Tentative uncertainty? opportunity to gather as community preparing for death with his family Unbridled joy and faith? Have they, in to ask deep questions of faith and keeping vigil with him at home. The their own lives, used words of trust as life equipped by the wisdom of the singers of the Schola gathered in the prayer in uncertain times? ages. We pray, praise, confess, and living room of their choirmate, Elsie, In the Ash Wednesday liturgy, together practice vulnerable giving of our and sang to her father. Music expressing as a community, we wrestle with the whole selves. Our singers learn and hope and comfort in the face of death ways that we have hurt one another, practice the gestures and postures of was already a part of the repertoire and we are abruptly reminded: “From our worship life. We make the sign known by the Schola. This is the work dust you came and to dust you shall of the cross on our bodies not out we prepare to do in life. Months later, return.” As the Schola sings this of rote acquiescence, but because it the Schola, joined by choir alumni and liturgy, it is practice for all of us in reminds us that our own particular confession and in facing the death of human vessel is the holy dwelling by Elsie herself, sang for the funeral ourselves and all whom we love. It is place of God’s Spirit. We kneel on the of Elsie’s dad. Music proclaiming the concrete floor during the confession promise of resurrection was already difficult, important work. At the Easter Vigil, the air of the not as a sign of personal piety, but as known to our singers This is the work nave is thick with the expectation a physical reminder of the discomfort that we do together. and wonder of those moments of separation from God and owning Every Wednesday, as the Schola before Jesus is raised from the dead. one’s part in that separation. finishes their rehearsal, we circle What truly did happen, and what is Schola rehearsals and liturgies are up, grab hands, and sing ourselves happening now, in this moment? The rehearsals for life. Our liturgies out into the night using the words choirs silently enter the dark nave as prepare us for and hold us through of a Shaker benediction. “Holy, holy, witnesses entering the tomb ready to the realities of being human. A year holiness unto the Lord. Love ye, love proclaim the great stories of our faith. ago, the Schola engaged in a range one another.” As we breathe together, Minutes before liturgies such as these, of emotion through a collection of the choirs gather in Thomsen Chapel experiences as a choir. Two cathedral sing together, and pray together, we to gain focus on the true work being singers, Molly Porter and James work to love one another as we are. done in our worship together. We Wilcox—both regularly a part of the This is the work God has given us to prepare ourselves to enter that work work and experience of the Schola— do. It is holy work. with vulnerable hearts, ready to pray were married in the cathedral nave, what we sing. and the choir sang for the wedding. As part of the Choir School training Music expressing love, faithfulness,  opposite The Schola sings from the program, all choristers are asked to and the desire to invite God into Compline Corner define the word “Liturgy”—a Greek human relationship was already a q left Schola members process at Evensong word meaning “the work of the people.” part of the known repertoire for the center Cathedral Choirs sing at the Pageant of the Nativity 2025 What makes this work different? How Schola. This is the work we prepare to is this work unique to our faith and do in our liturgical life. right Schola Camp rehearsal

A Spirit of

Hospitality

by Marc Aubertin, Cathedral Subdean

church is not its buildings. Rather, it is the people who are “the church.” The buildings are simply the beautiful, sacred spaces in which some of the work of the church is done. At Saint Mark’s, people routinely show up to do the work of the church— outreach, service, welcome. Hospitality is not just what we extend to newcomers on Sundays; it’s part of our very being.

When parishioners volunteer to set up for the next service or clean up from the event they just attended, it makes a statement that is felt deeply by those on staff. By stepping up to help, the community is saying, “This is our church. We participate in what happens here.”

This spirit of hospitality is special. Cathedral members’ willingness to pitch in is not something that often happens The Subdean’s role at the Cathedral includes stewarding at every church of Saint Mark’s size. In many ways, those the facilities and the facilities team members, among other who serve at Saint Mark’s—either in a formal ministry or things. The facilities staff are responsible for continued by volunteering in the moment—feel fulfilled in return by maintenance of the buildings, overseeing building projects being in service to the community. This work is a gift and like the Cathedral House HVAC retrofit and updating contributes to the vibrant parish and welcoming culture at the childcare space, surveying and caring for the grounds Saint Mark’s. around the buildings, cleaning gathering spaces, and setting up for various events on campus. Often, when facilities staff are clearing away dishes after a parish meal at Cathedral Commons, everyone (young and old, as they are able) pitches in to break down dinner service or stack the table and chairs in preparation for the next event. Before monthly Choral Evensong, choir members and other parishioners reset the chairs to set up for the service, and volunteers do the same for Cathedral Yoga each Monday evening.

 Choral Evensong in the Cathedral Nave, May 2026

MANY BODIES IN CHRIST:

LGBTQ+ Ministry at Saint Mark’s by The Rev. Adam Conley

aint Mark’s has supported LGBTQ+ rights and welcomed LGBTQ+ folks into the cathedral community for decades. Yet, Queer in Christ— Saint Mark’s LGBTQ+ ministry—is fairly new.

font at the Easter Vigil this year. Leonis also sought out confirmation on Cathedral Day, and he wasn’t the only QuiC participant to do so. But QuiC isn’t stopping at building Episcopal community. This summer, QuiC members joined the LGBTQ+ Ministry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (located at Aloha and 19th Avenue) for a social gathering with refreshments in nearby Volunteer Park.

The previous LGBTQ+ group at Saint Mark’s disbanded years ago after LGBTQ+ folks saw themselves regularly represented at all levels of church leadership. However, a few years ago, the Queer in Christ ministry formed to gather and connect over shared experiences. Some of this “We share similar values of radical welcome and inclusion arose out of a desire to create defined space for exploring and felt that by expanding our sense of community what it means to be queer and Christian in a political era together, we might also expand our sense of being that has substantively regressed in terms of protecting Christ’s Church,” said Colton Carothers, a lay leader LGBTQ+ rights and accepting intolerant rhetoric. of QuiC. LGBTQ+ Christians and seekers who come Queer in Christ (known as QuiC), provides a space for to both churches share an interest in finding spaces of members of the cathedral community who are queer solidarity that will foster spiritual growth. The groups’ to gather for fellowship, learning and scripture study, leaders are planning for additional ecumenical gatherings prayer, and action. They also seek to increase visibility to explore matters of faith together, particularly by of queer people in all areas of ministry at the cathedral. engaging in study and conversations around scripture. This visibility has borne fruit—the ministry is growing The QuiC leaders see this partnership and the evolution significantly and offers members opportunities to discuss of this ministry as one example of the church doing what meaningful topics like how the church can support trans church is supposed to do. As much as QuiC will always people and how their queer identities bring them closer play a role in creating a particular space for safe expression to God. and reflection, it is also a wonderful crucible for forming QuiC member Nicodemus Leonis reflects that “having a social group of queer Christians is absolutely invaluable. We can serve as a symbol and affirmation of God’s inclusive love for all of humanity, regardless of gender or orientation.”

Leonis speaks with authority, having encountered this affirmation of God’s inclusive love for himself. He credits QuiC, in part, for his faith journey to the baptismal

faithful Christians who travel outward, carrying their faith back into their daily lives and relationships.

 left Capitol Hill PrideFest 2026 center Pride flag flies over Saint Mark’s Cathedral rigth Saint Mark’s QuiC and St. Joseph’s LGBTQ+ Ministry members at the May 2026 gathering (photo courtesy of the Rev. Adam Conley)

Photo Roundup:

Special Moments in the Life of the Cathedral Community the traveler & the bishop ◆ april 26, 2026

photo by Greg Hester

cathedral day ◆ april 25, 2026

ministry fair ◆ may 3, 2026

pentecost ◆ may 24, 2026

habitat for humanity tiny house construction ◆ june 2026

pridefest ◆ june 27, 2026

garden ministry & shed blessing ◆ summer 2026

choir camp ◆ july 2026

photo by Greg Hester

ordinations ◆ july 18, 2026

Bloedel Hall— Legacy and Light by The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason

hen we talk about planned giving, or cathedral’s early days and key supporters in the effort to legacy giving, we ask, “How do you regain possession of the cathedral after WWII. They had want to be remembered? What has been given money for stained glass windows, which were not meaningful to you in your lifetime? How planned, so shortly after J.H. Bloedel’s death, then-Dean can you express the values you hold dear through the Leffler asked his children if the money could be repurposed legacy gifts you leave behind?” Saint Mark’s has benefited for the Cathedral House addition. They agreed, and the from so many who have made legacy gifts in support of parish hall was named in honor of their parents. the Cathedral’s mission and ministries and its buildings With its western-facing bay of windows creating a and grounds. Bloedel Hall is one expression of this legacy light-filled space, Bloedel Hall boasts spectacular views giving with an interesting history of its own. of the city skyline, mountain horizon, and stunning Since its construction in 1958, Bloedel Hall has been used in sunsets. This space has served several generations of a variety of ways: 100 men meeting weekly in a boisterous the cathedral community and hundreds of communityAlcoholics Anonymous group, 30 women sheltering there based non-profit organizations, but the daily use each night, scores of Choir School families having dinner across more than six decades showed the wear and tear. on Wednesday evenings, Rodgers and Hammerstein Coupled with the realities of a mid-20th century building musicals stagings, innumerable meals prepared as part (single-paned steel windows, asbestos-laden floor tiles, of the cathedral’s hunger relief ministries, public town and plumbing challenges), this wear led Lee to make a halls with elected officials, cooking shows with the late legacy gift to update and improve the space in order that Julia Child filmed live, Buddhist meditation groups, and generations to come might enjoy gathering in Bloedel Hall, countless forums, funeral receptions, and fundraisers just as countless parishioners and community members through the years. have for almost 70 years.

Future gatherings in Bloedel Hall will now benefit from recent renovations, thanks to a gift by parishioner Eulalie “Lee” Bloedel Schneider. Bloedel Hall is named in memory of Lee’s grandparents, Julius Harold “J.H.” and Mina Prentice Bloedel, who lived on Harvard Avenue—just across the St. Mark’s Greenbelt—and were leaders in the

Lee’s gift in 2023 made possible several improvements, including new energy-efficient windows, a new laminate wood floor overlay, lighting upgrades, acoustic tiles (in a parabolic space known for its “active” nature), fresh paint and wall repairs, updated plumbing and a new commercial dishwasher in the Bloedel Kitchen, and new window shades to accommodate audiovisual presentation more effectively. The Cathedral Vestry leveraged Lee’s gift to raise additional funds to replace the windows in the office hallway above Bloedel Hall at the same time. This past summer, gifts to the Living Stones II capital campaign allowed Saint Mark’s to replace the dilapidated gas-fired HVAC system for all of Cathedral House, including Bloedel Hall. This

Eulalie “Lee” Bloedel Schneider

new energy-efficient electric heating and cooling system supports the Cathedral’s strategic goal to achieve net carbon zero emissions on campus by 2030 and improves the experience of all who gather in Bloedel Hall. Lee Schneider died in May at age 95, and her funeral reception on August 13, 2026 was the first to be held in Bloedel Hall after all these renovations were completed. How fitting for the community to gather around her family (the next three generations) in that space which holds so much Bloedel family history! So much Cathedral history! So much Seattle history! And how fitting that Eulalie Bloedel Schneider’s generosity ensures that these next generations, and all who gather in this special place, will enjoy the use of Bloedel Hall for many years to come. Making planned legacy gifts to Saint Mark’s, either during one’s lifetime or as a bequest, is a way to offer thanks to God for the gifts and blessings given to you, an acknowledgment of the value of this faith community, and a way to ensure that Saint Mark’s thrives into the future.

u top Family and friends of Lee Schneider gather for a reception in

Bloedel Hall after her memorial service in August 2026. The new windows and acoustic tiles can be seen behind the gathering.

bottom Over 100 people gathered in Bloedel Hall for a celebratory banquet during the 70th Anniversary weekend of the Compline Choir in August 2026.

Learn more about planned giving at saintmarks.org/planned-giving 15

Cultivating diverse community: Steps Along the Way

by The Rev. Canon Emily Griffin

S PART of the 2024 Strategic Plan, Saint Mark’s identified “Cultivating Diverse Community” through listening, connection, and collaboration as one of the cathedral’s guiding themes. This work is happening in a multitude of ways with our ecumenical and interfaith partners. On April 26, 2026, the cathedral welcomed Rick Steves from Rick Steves’ Europe and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee from the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to the Cathedral for “The Traveler and the Bishop on American Democracy and Christian Nationalism.” Over 2,000 people gathered over two separate sessions to learn more about current threats to American democracy, the distortion of Scripture that is Christian nationalism, and how people of good will across religious differences can stand united in this moment for the common good. Saint Mark’s seeks to be a gathering place for the broader community in times of crisis, sorrow, and celebration. This event allowed those gathered not only to grieve but to draw strength and hope from one another as, together, we chart a more loving, welcoming, and inclusive way forward.

Since 2021, Clear Mountain Monastery has gathered weekly on the cathedral campus for meditation and teaching. In 2023, a group from Saint Mark’s began to dream with Ajahn Nisabho, Ajahn Kovilo, and other leaders in their community about how both groups might deepen relationships and pray authentically together. As the group met together over more than a year, what emerged is a service titled Living Buddha, Living Christ, Living Spirit—An Interfaith Prayer Service in the Style of Taizé. On June 9, 2026, we held the third annual service in this style—featuring prayers, readings, and chants from both traditions. In developing the resonances between the fruits of the Spirit described in Galatians and the perfections of character necessary in Buddhism to achieve enlightenment, a sacred space has been created for both communities to deepen their faith and their commitment to ethical action. Our ecumenical and interfaith partners have also proven essential as Saint Mark’s pursues justice with and for our migrant neighbors. For instance, the Jewish Coalition for Immigrant Justice NW (JCIJ) has long been a local leader in accompanying community members to immigration court hearings, ICE check-ins, and other related appointments. In

June, Saint Mark’s co-sponsored a JCIJ-led training with the Archdiocese of Seattle and Seattle Christians Organizing Project not only to strengthen the cathedral’s accompaniment work, but to equip other faith communities in expanding this necessary ministry of witness and support. Another place where Saint Mark’s has witnessed the power of partnerships across faith communities has been with Operation Nightwatch, the organization that runs Donna Jean’s Shelter for unhoused women on the cathedral campus. For years, parishioner and Operation Nightwatch Board member Molly Bosch dreamed of expanding their capacity to offer medical care to their clients. Even after acquiring a free clinic license and grant funding, it was unclear how they would find volunteers with the skill sets to make this happen. At an orientation for Donna Jean’s last year, the pieces started to fall into place as Cinda Madonna and other parishioners became aware of the need. After months of faithful effort, the clinic is now a reality. Every Monday night at Operation Nightwatch’s dispatch site, volunteers from Saint Mark’s and others of varying faith backgrounds make referrals and provide clinic care not only to shelter residents and folks living on the streets but to the 200+ people who come for nightly meals. Partnerships are critical for amplifying both Saint Mark’s ministries of compassion and its prophetic voice. Dean Thomason has been part of a local interfaith clergy colleague group for many years. In the past year, this group has spoken out in support of Pope Leo and his moral leadership in the global community and, more recently, around the America 250 celebrations in support of democracy, religious liberty, and the strength found in our diverse faith traditions. This same group is sponsoring an Interfaith Pre-Election Prayer Vigil at Saint Mark’s on Wednesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. We welcome your participation either in person or via livestream at saintmarks.org/livestream. In all these ways, we have found that we can do more together than we can alone. For all the ways we are learning to honor one another and serve the common good, thanks be to God.  opposite A group photo at the “Living Buddha, Living Christ, Living Spirit” Interfaith Prayer Service (photo courtesy of Clear Mountain Monastery) u top Rick Steves at “The Traveler and the Bishop on American

Democracy and Christian Nationalism”

top middle Lighting candles at the Interfaith Prayer Service (photo courtesy of Clear Mountain Monastery) bottom middle Participants in Clear Mountain Monastery’s pilgrimage to their new home in North Bend bottom The clinic at Operation Nightwatch (photo courtesy of Molly Bosch)

Reflections on

Formation at Saint Mark’s From weekly Cathedral Commons forums to small group discussion series and classes to prepare for baptism and confirmation, Saint Mark’s presents seekers with an array of formation opportunities to deepen their relationship with God and to encounter God’s liberating love in community. Many formation offerings are available online and in person and are open to anyone. Learn more at saintmarks.org/adult-formation. “I came to Saint Mark’s seeking intentional community connection and finding a space that brings the Gospels to tangible light. I very quickly signed up for Radix, as I loved the idea of meeting people in small, prayer-centered communities that were structured around Scriptural themes. I immediately fell in love—it combines community, prayer, and conversations around how Scripture can inform and move around what happens in our daily lives in the here and now. I was quick to join the planning committee, which deepens my understanding of the ways that Scripture, poetry, and art can inform our connection to the rhythms of the Holy Spirit in our messy, yet beautiful daily lives.” — Molly Bosch “The Contours of the Christian Life sessions were a wonderful springboard, helping me connect more deeply with others in the Saint Mark’s community. Each week offered an inviting space to explore and discuss a wide range of topics. I was connected with a wonderful sponsor, who is now a dear friend.” — Amy Hembrow “Going on pilgrimage with Saint Mark’s has deepened my faith, grown my community, and expanded my knowledge of the history and theology of our faith in ways I did not foresee and which have been life-changing. From the thoughtfully curated reading lists, to the intentional community building and rhythms of prayer, and of course, the expertly selected itineraries, everything is planned with love and care. The refreshment, a true lifting of spirit, that came from stepping away from the routines of daily life, and instead embracing a time of daily prayer, learning, worshiping, and sharing meals with people who are also committing to deepening their faith in this way—I think that was the most stunning development for me, and one that has continued to bear fruit here at home.” — Jen Younggren “The Center for Spirituality and Action (CSA) has been a profound experience for me. It has served to deepen my relationship with God and with my fellow participants. The sense of being held by God through my CSA cohort members has been a wonderful life-giving experience, and it provided a safe space to explore and grow my spirituality and support others in their journey. The key for me was learning centering prayer—something that will be central to the remainder of my life as a Christian.” — Karen Petersen “Not long after becoming a member at Saint Mark’s, I joined an Education for ministry (EFM) group. At the start of my fourth year in EfM, there was an opening for a co-mentor, which I happily stepped into. An EfM mentor is not a teacher—we are learners along with the other participants in the group. Our role is to facilitate learning together and to guide the group in reflecting theologically about what we are learning and how it informs our own call to ministry. This fall I will begin my seventh year with EfM. I keep doing it because I keep learning and because it is a joy each year to see community form as we bring our insights and questions and as we dig deeply into the riches of our faith tradition.” — Peter Snyder

This banner was given in loving memory of Corey Streat by his parents, Derek and Diana Streat.

100

as a CATHEDRAL YEARS C O M M U N I T Y

by Evans Ousley

aint Mark’s parish has served Pacific Northwesterners since its founding in 1889 and, for the past 100 years, this community has served the Diocese of Olympia as its Cathedral since the 1926 Diocesan Convention. Before the construction of the current building— the 100th anniversary of which will be celebrated in a few years—the congregation itself was recognized for its leadership in the Episcopal community. The character of this community emerged quickly. In an 1891 edition of the Rubric, the second rector of St. Mark’s Parish, the Reverend David Claiborne Garrett wrote,

“St. Mark’s is becoming more and more a peoples’ church. With free seats for all, and a service that all can join in, and a true welcome [from] our members to strangers at the door, no wonder our services are getting popular. Let us keep the work going on this line. Let everybody, irrespective of bank account, or the clothes he wears, or the house he lives in be made to feel that St. Mark’s is a true church home.”

It is inspiring and grounding to consider how Saint Mark’s identity as a church for the people has endured for many generations. The term “cathedral” is often translated “the seat of the bishop,” meaning it is a church for the people, a center and resource for the diocese. In just the past few months, this community celebrated Cathedral Day, when Bishop Phil LaBelle and Bishop Melissa Skelton confirmed, received, and acknowledged the reaffirmation of over 100 Episcopalians in western Washington; liturgical ministers supported the service for ordinations to the priesthood, welcoming five new priests into ordained ministry; Saint Mark’s offered space to support essential partnerships with Se’Si’Le and Clear Mountain Monastery; and the Intergenerational Council partnered with other ministries to invite folks into the cool of the cathedral nave for Quiet Pride and the Great Cathedral Read-In. In the coming months, Saint Mark’s will extend its hospitality to visitors seeking out the return of the TERRA Globe (November 6-23), welcome diocesan clergy for a day with Catherine Meeks (September 22), host ordination services to the transitional and vocational diaconate (October 3 and December 19), and much more.

 left top TERRA Globe in 2025 center Ordinations to the priesthood in 2026 (photo by Greg Hester) bottom Cathedral Day 2025 (photo by Greg Hester) right A new cathedral banner

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 871

Saint Mark ’s episcopal cathedral

1245 10th Ave East Seattle, WA 98102

Trio Mediæval

All Bach on the Flentrop Organ Paul Jacobs, organ

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 3 P.M. A collaboration with the Northwest Edvard Grieg Society

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 7:30 P.M.

All-Night Vigil

A Tudor Passiontide

Cappella Romana John Michael Boyer, conductor

Tudor Choir Doug Fullington, conductor

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 7:30 P.M.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 3 P.M.

Organ Plus in Thomsen Chapel Justin Murphy-Mancini, organ Jennifer Rhyne, flute

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027, 3 P.M. SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 3 P.M. (TWO IDENTICAL PERFORMANCES)

Cactet

Tickets and more information at: saintmarks.org/concerts

Michael Lim & Jennifer Caine, violin Alex Grimes, viola & Page Smith, cello

SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 3 P.M.