Imagine the Salt Lake Valley in 1870. Now picture Episcopalians gathering to lay the cornerstone for a new cathedral. This is the story of the Cathedral Church of Saint Marks. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Salt Lake City.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks is located at 231 E. 100 South. It is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Utah. It holds a significant place in history. Built in 1871 it is the third oldest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. It is also the second oldest continuously used worship building in Utah. The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Bishop Daniel Sylvester Tuttle oversaw the original construction. Funding came from Episcopalians in New York and Pennsylvania. The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks was consecrated in 1874. A fire in 1935 damaged the sanctuary. It was rebuilt following the original design.
Richard Upjohn designed the Cathedral Church of Saint Marks. He was a founder of the American Institute of Architects. The design is in the Gothic Revival style. The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks boasts some of Utah’s finest stained glass. These include four Tiffany Studios windows from 1916. There are also three windows by Charles Jay Connick and one by Franz Xaver Zettler.
The Episcopal Church made a mark on the community early on. By 1880 they had established Saint Mark’s School for Boys Rowland Hall School for Girls and Saint Mark’s Hospital. Rowland Hall St. Mark’s School is now merged. It offers education for K-12.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks has been part of the Salt Lake City skyline since 1871. Its bell was the first church bell to ring in Salt Lake City. It continues to call Episcopalians and visitors for worship today.
The Cathedral Church of Saint Marks has a long history of community participation. Just four years after organizing the Parish raised money for victims of the Chicago Fire. In 1906 the Parish Choir participated in a benefit concert at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. They joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to raise money for victims of the 1906 Earthquake and subsequent fires.
Today the Cathedral Church of Saint Marks continues its outreach. Programs include Hildegarde’s Pantry Community of Faith Celebrations Community of Hope and Feed My Sheep. The cathedral is often used for musical events. The cathedral hall has been used for many civic events over the years. A new Cathedral Center opened in 2007. It includes the Dean’s hall. It provides a meeting and dining area for up to 300 people.
St. Mark’s Cathedral has hosted noteworthy visitors over the years. Episcopalian Archbishop Demond Tutu came to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympics. In 2015 Michael Bruce Curry became the first African American presiding bishop of the Episcopalian Church.
So take a moment to appreciate the Cathedral Church of Saint Marks. It stands as a symbol of faith community and enduring spirit in the heart of Salt Lake City. Its history is etched in its walls and vibrant stained glass. Its legacy continues through its outreach and service.