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By Historic Mark Church,
Historic St. Mark’s in NW Portland celebrates century-old building with
High mass & Open House featuring lecture & public tour by architectural historian, November 9
PORTLAND, OR, October 25, 2025 — The Anglican Parish of St. Mark, located at NW 21st and Marshall Street in the heart of Portland’s Slabtown neighborhood, is Celebrating a Century of Faith.
The final in a series of events commemorating the building’s 100th anniversary is scheduled for November 9. On this Sunday, the Right Reverend Donald M. Ashman will reconsecrate the church in a High Mass, 100-years to the day after it’s original dedication and consecration. The public is invited to this special service, featuring notable music, beginning at 9 am. An Open House, from 11 am – 1 pm, follows where distinguished guest speaker, architectural historian, author, lecturer and tour guide, John Doyle, presents “St. Mark’s Place in the Portland Architectural Landscape.” The Celebration of a Century of Faith will culminate with a collaborative church tour led by Mr. Doyle and the parish’s Deacon Jaques.
Early in 2025, Doyle authored Portland’s Historic Houses of Worship, published by Arcadia Publishing in the series Images of America which celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title (in the series) presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. John notes that his book would not have been possible without the research facilities available at the Oregon Historical Society, the Architectural Heritage Center of Portland, and the John Wilson Special Collections Room of the Multnomah Country Public Library. John has been a lifelong student of history, architecture, and art history. After earning his master’s of art in art history from Tufts University, Doyle lectured at the Met Cloisters and then lived and traveled overseas for several years. He has lived in Portland since 1997, devoting hundreds of hours to the study of Portland and Oregon history at the Oregon Historical Society.
Founded in 1874, St. Mark’s has a rich history. The present, 100-year old building is the third to house The Parish of St. Mark, reflecting the enduring faith and resilience of the congregation throughout the decades. St. Mark’s building, Romanesque in style, was designed by prominent Portland architect, Mr. Jamieson K. Parker, modeled after the 10th-century Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy. Its appealing and regal architectural details are reflected in the church’s interior design with a tall, central nave and high ‘ship’s keel’ wooden ceiling, Romanesque arches, alternating courses of red and white brick walls and pillars, a magnificent rose window, and multiple walls of painted murals in the fresco style. The church is also home to one of the oldest stained glass windows still in a functioning house of worship in Portland. Other art and artifacts, as well as notes of history of the Anglo-Catholic faith will be highlighted on this unique collaborative historic church tour.
In addition to daily religious services, the parish often hosts music events. The building’s superb acoustics make it ideal for presenting sacred music. All are invited to experience period music in this sacred space at upcoming concerts. See music events highlighted on the parish website at stmarkportland.org [6] and social media channels (@theanglicanparishofstmark).
The November 9 event begins with the Sung Mass at 9 am. Open House is scheduled from 11 am – 1 pm with lecture and tour beginning approximately 11:15 am. The parish extends a warm invitation to the community to join in this day of celebration.