St. Mark's to celebrate 140 years

St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva will celebrate its 140th anniversary this weekend with food, music, a dance, crafts, a parade, children's activities, a display of historical photos and special worship services.

The Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, newly-ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, will visit the 10:15 a.m. worship service Sunday.

And talk about retro. A family-style dinner at 6 p.m. Friday will feature the type of food that was likely served in 1868. Members of the parish will wear period costumes, as will the Rev. Mark Tusken, rector of St. Mark's.

The parish traces its history to Charity and James Herrington, some of Geneva's first settlers. During the 1830s, Episcopal services were held in their log cabin near what is now First and State streets. An Episcopal organization was formed in 1844 and services were held in the old court house.

The physical church has its roots in St. Mark's chapel, which was built in 1868 at Fourth and Franklin streets. The chapel was awarded a plaque from the Geneva Historical Society 40 years ago, making it one of only 102 buildings in Geneva that is recognized as having historical significance.

The chapel features fully-restored, original stained glass windows (donated by the Rev. William Green, the first rector of St. Mark's) and the original bell cast at Meneely Bell Co. in Troy, N.Y.

Tours of the chapel will be offered between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and worship services are still held there at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m. Sundays.

The parish church, which is attached to the chapel by a hallway, was built in 1987. A fellowship hall was added in 2002.

Great continuity

The celebration theme is "St. Mark's yesterday, today and tomorrow." This holds particular significance for the Rev. Claudia Nalven, who has been assistant rector at St. Mark's for 16 months. She came from suburban New York City.

"There is a sense of continuity here that I haven't seen before," Nalven said. "Generations of children have grown up in this parish and they have a community of faith that nurtures them. It's something they can take to college and to their jobs.

"The community and continuity of this parish is something we lack in the world," she added. "I see the fruits of it."

Full weekend

The 1868 family dinner at 6 p.m. Friday will be followed by a 7:15 p.m. worship service.

A parade leaves at 10 a.m. Saturday from the old courthouse on Third Street and proceeds to St. Mark's Church. There will be a children's fair, music, crafts, tours of the chapel and historical photo displays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

A dance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday will feature swing dance lessons.

There is a time of reflection and children's Sunday school at 9 a.m. Sunday. Worship is at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday, followed by an ice cream social at noon.

For details, call the church at (630)232-0133 or visit www.stmarks-geneva.org.

If you go

What: St. Mark's Episcopal Church 140th anniversary celebration

When: Events Friday, Saturday and Sunday; worship at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday

Where: Fourth and Franklin streets, Geneva

Details: (630) 232-0133 or www.stmarks-geneva.org