“Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions, Rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome in this place.”
The gathered congregation sang these words (“Let Us Build a House” by Marty Haugen) at the service of thanksgiving held on June 16, 2026, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Parish of St. Mark, Qualicum Beach. When the church was consecrated in June of 1926, little did those gathered know that we would be celebrating such a big milestone 100 years in the future.
The service, and the tea that followed, were the highlight of the anniversary week, which took place from June 12 to 19. The service was led by Bishop Anna Greenwood-Lee and 110 parishioners, clergy, community members and special guests attended.
The service unfolded with the readings and prayers taken by Jenny Replogle, executive archdeacon, and our three licensed worship leaders, Paul Gillan, Michael King and Cynthia Preyser.
Following the service of thanksgiving, clergy, parishioners and special guests gathered in the beautifully decorated hall for a special anniversary tea. Wendy de Candole, people’s warden, acted as the MC, and introduced the special guests and members of the centennial committee.
Former rectors Alan Naylor, Susan Hayward-Brown and Elizabeth Northcott reminisced on their time as incumbents at St. Mark’s; and Qualicum mayor Teunis Westbroek and MLA Stephanie Higginson brought greetings. The celebration concluded with a piece of the anniversary cake!
Our centennial celebration began on June 12 with a floral art show created by 18 members of the Mid-Island Floral Art Club. At the same time, an eight-minute slide show of historical photographs of St. Mark’s played in the church.
As part of the festivities, we hosted two concerts. The first was an organ recital by Jenny Vincent, representing a synopsis of music and arrangements of hymns that probably were played during the past 100 years. And closing out the week, we were treated to a lively jazz concert with Jonathan Challoner and friends.
A family festival day, open to the families of our Oceanside area, welcomed a steady stream of young families to play games, engage in crafts, have their faces painted and eat treats like ice cream, popcorn, hotdogs and lemonade.
We are grateful to all who organized or took part in the many events as we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Parish of St. Mark. It proved to be a wonderful celebration!
