In the News

The project is on budget and on time. Estimated completion and return to Beaumont will be in late 2025 or early 2026.  Earlier this summer, I traveled to Pennsylvania to see the progress on our organ restoration project. From the moment I arrived at Steve Emery’s workshop, situated in the bucolic hills north of Philadelphia, I was in awe. Everywhere I turned, there were pieces – pipes – components – of our beloved Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ. Steve and his team are carefully and comprehensively refurbishing our historic instrument. They’re receiving guidance from our fine organ consultant, Jonathan Ambrosino. During our recent visit, Jonathan and I were both impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship and the Emery team’s dedication to historic preservation. Here are three takeaways: The project is on budget and on time. Estimated completion and return to Beaumont will be in late 2025 or early 2026. The organ reeds (think trumpet-sounding pipes) and blower are finished. Much of the leatherwork continues. There are pieces of leather in the chests (where the pipes sit) and on the stoppers of wooden pipes.  Each of the organ’s 2,830 pipes has been cleaned and repaired where necessary. The pipes were then placed on a voicing machine to be regulated. The goal is for each rank of pipes to sound similar in tone and volume. Additional voicing work will happen at St. Mark’s once the organ returns. We are only making adjustments to regulate the pipework. Because our instrument is so historic, we are being careful not to make any unnecessary changes.  The project also includes upgrades to the console (where I sit to play) as well as the wiring and control mechanisms. All cotton-covered wiring will be replaced with plastic-insulated wire in keeping with National Electrical Code regulations. The console is being reworked to accommodate the new wiring and electric control system. This includes new “stop” knobs and couplers. Our original keyboards have been retained and restored. Components — including chests and wind lines — will be delivered first this fall. The team will return later with the pipes. Then will come the massive effort to put everything back together. The aforementioned pipe “voicing” work will follow in the church.  The restoration will cost approximately $600,000. We are grateful to the St. Mark’s Foundation, our parishioners, community members, and SETX foundations who have graciously supported our preservation efforts. We are still fundraising to close the remaining $41,121 needed to fully fund this project. Donations may be made online by selecting “Organ Fund,” or by check, noting “Organ Fund” in the memo line. Designated gifts may be made to the parish office via check or “On Realm” by selecting “Organ Fund.” The project is entering its final phase, and we cannot wait to welcome the instrument back to Beaumont in late 2025 or early 2026. Jordan Williams Organist-Choirmaster Button Button Button Button Button Button Button Button

-->> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER <<-- True North VBS at St. Mark's June 23, 2025 — June 27, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day 680 Calder Street Beaumont, TX 77701 We are so excited for you to join us for St. Mark's True North VBS! Our program is for children entering PK4 - 6th grade. Cost is $20 and includes a t-shirt (as supplies last) and snacks. Scholarships are available. Please contact Lauren Johnsen at 409-832-3405 for more information. Online registration closes June 20, 2025. Walk-in registration will remain open as space allows. Guide kids on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. Pointing them toward Jesus, True North VBS shows them that he is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North!

Journey Through Holy Week and Celebrate Easter at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church As the season of Lent draws to a close, and the promise of Easter approaches, we invite you to walk with us through the sacred days of Holy Week at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 680 Calder Avenue in Downtown Beaumont. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are simply searching for a deeper connection, we welcome you with open arms. This is a time of reflection, renewal, and rejoicing—and there is a place for you here. Holy Week & Easter Schedule – 2025 Palm Sunday – April 13 🕗 8:00 a.m. – Spoken Service 🕥 10:30 a.m. – With Choir and Organ We begin Holy Week remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, waving palms and lifting our hearts in praise. Maundy Thursday – April 17 🕕 6:00 p.m. – Maundy Thursday Service 🕖 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. – Overnight Vigil We gather to remember the Last Supper, Jesus’ command to love and serve one another, and then keep watch through the night in prayer. Good Friday – April 18 🕛 12:00 p.m. – Good Friday Service A solemn and powerful service marking the crucifixion of Christ, inviting us into deep reflection on the meaning of the cross. Easter Egg Hunt – April 19 🕚 11:00 a.m. – All are welcome! Join us for fun and fellowship as we celebrate the joy of Easter with children and families from our community. Easter Sunday – April 20 🕗 8:00 a.m. – With Organ & Soloist 🕥 10:30 a.m. – With Choir, Brass, & Organ He is risen! Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with glorious music, vibrant flowers, and a spirit of joy and hope.

Join the choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Church for a service of Choral Evensong for Lent at 5PM on Sunday, March 30. The sung service of evening prayer offers an opportunity for reflection and contemplation. Worship in the beauty of solemn holiness as the choir sings the "Preces and Responses" of Thomas Ayleward and Herbert Brewer's setting of the "Canticles in D." The Choir will also sing "The Lord Is My Shepherd" from John Rutter's Requiem as well anthems by English composers Sir Edward Bairstow (Jesu, The Very Thought of Thee) and Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (Dear Lord and Father). Come for the music. Stay for the fellowship. A reception follows. All are welcome at this free service!

ALERT | Spammers are texting people claiming to be Father James. These are NOT connected to the church. Any messages you may have received from him should be disregarded. Father James is not requesting assistance. St. Mark’s will never reach out requesting help, favors, money or gift cards in this capacity. We are working as quickly as possible to figure out how spammers gained access to our parish contacts. If you have any questions about the validity of any text or email, please feel free to reach out to the church office.