Here’s a story that involves both loss and resilience. It’s about Saint Mark’s Anglican Church in Altadena California. This house of worship has a rich history. It also faced a devastating challenge.
Saint Mark’s journey began as All Saints North Pasadena Mission in 1906. It was an outreach of All Saints Church in Pasadena. In 1914, on Easter Sunday, Saint Mark’s Parish was consecrated. The first church was on Washington Boulevard. Despite Depression-era challenges Saint Mark’s grew strong. In 1947, the parish broke ground for the Altadena property. The Markhams donated it. The new sanctuary was dedicated on June 16 1948. A Meeting House for youth activities was built in 1958. The Parish Administration Building was completed in 1959. Saint Mark’s Preschool opened in 1960. The elementary school began in 1966 and saw decades of growth. Dunlap Hall was constructed in 1969. It added classrooms for the expanding school. The Chorister program began in 1979.
In 1983, a Karl Wilhelm tracker organ was installed. Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Saint Mark’s in 1990. He dedicated a stained glass window in his honor. The Gospel Choir began singing monthly in 1992. Saint Mark’s Church and School had a capital campaign in 2002. It funded expanding and upgrading church and school facilities with four new buildings. In 2004, Saint Mark’s added a service tailored to families with children. Saint Mark’s celebrated its Centennial in 2007.
Through the Episcopal Church’s Haiti Partnership Program, Saint Mark’s joined with Sainte Marguerite Episcopal Church and School in Latournelle, Haiti. Scout Troop 1 celebrated 100 years at Saint Mark’s in 2014. In 2018, the Light Learning Love Master Plan and Capital Campaign was initiated. During the Pandemic, Saint Mark’s developed innovative ways to worship. These included Saint Mark’s on Air podcasts, Zoom worship services, small backyard eucharists, and one service on the basketball court. Saint Mark’s School celebrated 60 years in 2020.
In 2025, the Eaton Fire struck Saint Mark’s. The church building and most of the campus were lost. The new preschool building survived this disaster. Despite the destruction, the spirit of Saint Mark’s persevered. Worship continued via Zoom. The bonds among the community remained strong.
The rector Carri Grindon emphasized their unity. She stated that the bonds among them could not be severed. They are one in love and in Christ. Jennifer Tolbert, Head of School, searched for signs and miracles. She reflected on the memories within the buildings. The school was founded during a tumultuous time. It coincided with redlining and civil rights movements. Saint Mark’s embraced every type of person. This enduring spirit defines Saint Mark’s. It is not just the buildings but the people. They are committed to rebuilding. They are dedicated to serving their community. Saint Mark’s welcomes all into their community of faith. They grow in Christ’s love through lives of worship learning service and fellowship.