Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. —1 PETER 2:5

As Saint Mark’s Cathedral's iconic building approaches its second century, we've embarked on a capital campaign to renew our sacred space and deepen our mission. This $9 million effort will address urgent infrastructure needs, support our goal of net-zero carbon emissions, enhance the worship experience, and invest in the future of music through a new organ and endowment growth. Join us in building a sound future for the cathedral and the generations to come.

UPDATE (OCTOBER 2025):

As of October 31, 2025, 482 pledges to the Living Stones II capital campaign have been received, totaling $7,873,349.

 

The response to the Parish Phase of the campaign has been overwhelming; the generosity of support is awe-inspiring! The Living Stones II campaign transitions now to a two-pronged effort: 1) a Continuation Phase for the cathedral parish to reach out to those who have not yet pledged, asking them to join the effort, and 2) expanding the appeal to the diocese and broader community. Saint Mark’s serves as a resource to so many across western Washington, and we will invite them to consider supporting the work at hand, ensuring the cathedral will continue to serve faithfully as a beacon of hope for generations to come. The names of all those who contribute to the campaign will be included on a Donor Wall at the conclusion of the campaign in 2028. Thank you!

If you have not yet made your pledge, please consider doing so today. Submit a campaign pledge using the online form, or contact Erik Donner in the church office, if you prefer (206.323.0300 ×217 or edonner@saintmarks.org). Thank you for your presence in this cathedral community and for your faithful generosity in this Living Stones II capital campaign.

Messages from the Campaign Leadership

Click to enlarge.

Campaign Scope

This capital campaign is guided by three key missional values:

  1. Creation Care & Carbon Reduction (achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030)
  2. Enhancing the Cathedral’s Welcome & Worship Experience (updates to nave and narthex)
  3. Making Lasting Investments in Music at Saint Mark’s (endowment growth & new organ installation)

The construction project that arises from the capital campaign will be guided by these missional values and by realities of the elements of the cathedral’s infrastructure that require timely attention, as identified in a pre-design process. These include:

  1. Nave HVAC system has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  2. Electrical system of the campus is at capacity and has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  3. Cathedral House HVAC system is functioning marginally and has exceeded its expected lifespan.
  4. The narthex and bathrooms are dated and unwelcoming (from the 1960s, no heat, slip hazard, dimly lit).
  5. The nave floor is crumbling (safety hazard).
HVAC Cathedral (radiant) ✳ $ 4,493,000
HVAC Bloedel (VRF—variable refrigerant flow) $ 1,918,000
Narthex Remodel $ 660,000
Music Endowment (75/25) ◆ $ 1,000,000
Renaissance Organ Gallery § $ 250,000
Compline Choir Stalls (estimate) ¤ $ 250,000
TOTAL $ 8,571,000
✳ Nave HVAC solution includes new electrical system for building, new heat recovery ventilator, radiant floor heat system, and new slate floor.
◆ Music endowments raised would be 75% for cathedral canon position (full-time), 25% for Compline Choir director position (¼ FTE)
§ Saint Mark’s has already received a pledge ($1–1.5 million) gifting a new Renaissance organ above the Compline Corner, which will serve as a signature addition to the worship experience. Construction of the gallery and structural support for the new organ will be part of the project scope for this campaign.
¤ A Compline Choir stall design is not finalized. It is secondary to funding the endowment for the Compline Choir director.

Timeline

  • Fall 2023 - Feasibility Study Authorized by Vestry
  • December 2024 - Vestry Approved Launching Campaign
  • March & April 2025 - Home Gatherings and Parish Forums
  • May 2025 - Advance Commitments Gathering
  • June 2025 - All-Parish Banquet and Commitment & Celebration Sundays (conclusion of the "parish phase" of the campaign.)
  • July 2025 through Fall 2027 - Campaign expands to Diocese of Olympia and the broader community
  • Spring 2028 - Construction project scheduled to begin

 

Frequently Asked Questions

An F.A.Q. addressing issues raised at the recently-concluded Home Gatherings can be found here.

Just a few of the questions addressed include:

Q: How much do we currently spend on heating? What’s expected with the new system?

Q: When will construction start? Will services be interrupted during construction?

Q: Will the endowed music salaries be taken out of the annual budget?

Q: Will the pews be replaced?

Q: Will the nave floor include a permanent labyrinth for New Year’s Eve?

...and many more. Find the full F.A.Q. here.

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