National Republican., 1884-03-05
ST. MARKS CHURCH.
The New Protestant Episcopal Church to DO
Erected on Capitol Hill.
A sketch OF the Efforts which Have
Resulted In Forming the Parish.

''NoNiN iWPlONOihbub 10 bOOu 10 DB
made on Capitol hill in the form Of new
stone church to be built during this spring by
the congregation of st. Marks Protestant
Episcopal church. at the corner of Third and
streets southeast. Tho building when
completed will be 80 feet wide by 72 feet long
Tho foundations have already been laid, at q
cost of $1,000. The lot upon which the edi-
iico is to stand is 60 feet wide by 100
leot long, with an L-shapod addition
22 feet by 40, running back to an alley
The cost of the ground was $4,000, which,
with interest added, makes the total price
about $4,000 The structure as planned by
tho architect, Mr. Charles Cassell, of Balti.
more, will be Of the early English pointed
gothic, moderately decorated, and will be
built Of Potomac gneiss or blue stone. Tho
cost will approximate $35,OOO. The front
will face on A street. A steerle about $50
feet in height Is to be constructed Mt the cor
ner side OF Third and A strcets, with a side
entrance on Third street and two main en-
frances on A street. There will be a base
mcnt story for the Sunday school aud church
societies, fully lighted and ventilated. The
ceiling will bO 5 feet above tho pavement.
The flooring of the auditorium will be 81
feet above the ground. Nino stono steps
OF easy ascent will lead into the
spacious vestibulo in the front end. Over
The vestibulo will b. gallery to seat wur-
sulptIb' JuO CuOlf Is Oh tne eluB OF the
chauce The side aislos are TO be under
lower roof than the middle part, which will
DO supported by iron columns and arches of
masonry. The roof will be open, with a
modern ceiling and carved rafters. The
walls arc to be frescocd. No high decorations
arc to be INDUCED in. Four large windows
are on each side Of the church, divided by
mullions into thrcc lancets. The same mum.
Der of Windows are in the clere story. They
are to be OF stained glass The plan in view
is to have them presented by members of tho
parish or of the church as memorials or
gifts. One has already been given,
and will cost $500. The construction
of the chancel and choir will be only tenn
porary arrangement until the transept is
erected, The seating capacity will be be-
tween 600 and 500. 1t is intended to put up
at first only tho nave. Tho members intend
to pay for what they do as they 60 along. An
earnest appeal for aid will be made to the
people of the Episcopal faith throughout this
city and elsewhere 1t is proposed to lay the
corner stone with impressive ceremonies.
Invitations will be extended to the clergy
and congregations of the various Protestant
Episcopal churches of this city TO participate
The history of this parish goes back to the
war when convocatiOn of clergymen existed
in the diocese of Maryland for the purpose of
church building and extension. New chapels
resulted, among them being the Church
of the Incarnation, st. Paul's and st.
Marks. This last was an offspring
of Christ church. Navy Yard. Rev. bI. L. |
Olds had the supervision of it. He began in |
the winter of 1867 and 1868 to hold services |
in the Soldiers aud Sailors Orphan asylum, |
at the corner Of Second street and Maryland |
avenue northeast, the old Sewell mansion, |
now occupied by Hon. John s. Barbour. A |
frame chapel was erected OH A street. between
Second and Third streets southeast upon a |
plan drawn by Rev. Mr.. Olds, who died before
1t was completed. Rev. Charles w. Shields
succeeded him in the rectorship of Christ
church in 1862 Rev. A. Flordus Steele was
invited to be his assistant in March, 1869, and
was assigned to the chapel. The first Sunday
of his advent he found fifty persons present,
thirty-fve of whom were communicates.
Steps were soon taken for the organiZa-
tion of parish. Permission was given
by the diocesan convention to that |
end In June, 1869, vestry was
elected, and the Rev. Mr.. Steele was chosen |
rector. In 1870 the present lot was bought |
for building purposes. By industry and |
the congregation gathered In yearly |
the sum of IS, 900, one-half of which went for |
expenses and the balance for pay |
ment upon the lot This collection has been |
the average annual amount. In 1871 the |
frame building was removed to where it now |
stands, on tho south part of the lot. Last |
summer the old white building which stood |
on the corner Of Third and 4 streets south
east was torn down. 1t Is well remem bered |
in days gone by as the market house Of Capt.
tol hill, and subsequently was used for public |
school purposes. The congregation increased
yearly in numbers. At present there is an
overflow of attendance, and new place of |
worship is much needed. There are now 100 |
and twenty communicates, among whom arc
some Of the best citizens of that |
section. A Sunday school of 175 members and
twenty taehors is under the superintcndence
of Mr.. Richard Goodhart. Among those who
have been vostrymen may be mentioned DIR.
Beale, lately deceased, Commodore Balsh, U.
$. N, DIR. Hudson. assistant surgeon general,
U. s. N, and Mr.. Joseph Burnett. The church
has been regularly attended during the ses-
sions Of congress by many senators and rep
and their families, as also by
officials Of all ranks. A great desire is felt by
the residents of tho hill, apart from all
religious considerations, to see this structure
as it will add much to the beauty
Of that section.
NVTRnITG nSInE AMI