St. Mark's Episcopal Church became an organized parish in July 1855,
fourteen years before Fort Dodge was incorporated. Two Church
structures, both of which were later destroyed by fire, were erected
in various locations before the existing stone building at First Ave.
S. and Tenth St. was erected and dedicated in October, 1894.
The roots
of the Episcopal Church wend their way back through the early history
of our country through the Church of England to the historic Church of
Western Christendom. When the Protestant Reformation broke out in
Europe the effect of those reforms on the Church in England was
profound but ultimately far less divisive. It was the desire of
various reigning monarchs to have all the country of England worship
in the same way. Thus the forces for compromise were very strong. The
liturgy and doctrine of the Church in England which emerged from these
tumultuous times reflect the desire to be both protestant and
catholic. Thus while we adhere to the ancient structures of Bishops,
priests, and deacons, with a strong emphasis on the sacraments,
Episcopalians also profess the need for a strong ministry of the Word
and a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Therefore, if you have worshiped with the Roman Catholic or Lutheran
Churches the structures of our worship services will be very familiar
to you. If you have worshiped within the Pentecostal, Evangelical, or
other protestant denominations, the form of our worship may be
unfamiliar, but the content of what you hear and see will be very
familiar. Our regular worship schedule consists of a Holy Communion
service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Church School is offered for
preschool through fifth grade each Sunday, from mid-September to
mid-May. We are honored that you have come to worship with us.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church became an organized parish in July 1855,
fourteen years before Fort Dodge was incorporated. Two Church
structures, both of which were later destroyed by fire, were erected
in various locations before the existing stone building at First Ave.
S. and Tenth St. was erected and dedicated in October, 1894.
Therefore, if you have worshiped with the Roman Catholic or Lutheran
Churches the structures of our worship services will be very familiar
to you. If you have worshiped within the Pentecostal, Evangelical, or
other protestant denominations, the form of our worship may be
unfamiliar, but the content of what you hear and see will be very
familiar. Our regular worship schedule consists of a Holy Communion
service at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Church School is offered for
preschool through fifth grade each Sunday, from mid-September to
mid-May. We are honored that you have come to worship with us.
