Rooted in downtown Cheyenne since 1868, we're a vibrant, historic community growing in faith, love, and service. The second and current church edifice had its first service on August 19, 1888. The building stone is Castle Rock rhyolite and the interior is absolutely beautiful with primarily oak wood resembling an upside down ark with marble floor. Mark's church is said to be Stoke Poges Church out
side of London, which was begun in 1080 A. The former old Leader newspaper of Cheyenne describes its general contour as somewhat resembling the imaginative pictures of ancient castle halls, being simply massive in appearance and impressing one with the idea it is "built on a rock." From this base the church ministry aspires to reach out into the community in a myriad of ways including the care, education and enrichment of our children as a primary concern continuing our future. Beliefs
The Episcopal Church is part of the original Church founded by Jesus Christ when He commissioned His disciples to go into the world to preach the Good News. The Episcopal Church today is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion (The Church of England) with sixty million members. Episcopal is from a Greek word meaning bishops. The Bishops of the Episcopal Church, elected by clergy and the people, shepherd the day-to- day care of the Church. History
The Anglican tradition emerged in the 16th Century, during a turbulent period of reform in the church. Anglican reformers chose a "middle way" between Roman Catholicism and the various forms of Protestantism, which developed in Europe at that time. There were two main stages in the spread of Anglicanism -- the first in the 17th Century, during the colonialization in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The second stage began in the 18th Century, when missionaries traveled to Asia, Africa and South America to spread the Gospel and to establish churches. The Episcopal Church strives to offer a moderate and inclusive approach to faith. While the church presents clear, biblically-based teaching and guidance on most subjects, we also understand that there are some issues in life that can be experienced and interpreted in different ways by different people. We encourage respectful listening, dialogue rather than debate, and "unity in diversity" among our members as we seek to live faithful and fruitful lives. Traditions
Episcopalians make extensive use of ritual, color and symbols to bring our worship alive. Central to our life in faith are the symbolic acts or rituals known as the Sacraments. Described as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace," the Sacramental acts draw us into God's presence and allow us to fully experience the grace of God in our lives. The Sacraments celebrated in the Episcopal Church are Baptism, the Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, Confession, and Anointing With Oil.
