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St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
Category: Religious Organizations Religious Organizations [Edit]
1245 10th Ave ESeattle, WA 98102
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 323-0300
19 reviews for St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
19 reviews in English
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Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
WOW. I went here for the first time to see My Brightest Diamond and was blown away by the beauty and acoustics of the space. Shana's voice and theatrics also lent themselves well to their surroundings.
We didn't have any problem securing good seats because we arrived quite early. I noticed a lot of folk brought fat pillows from home so they could enjoy the show from the steps. One man brought a pair of sleeping bags and methodically folded them over to make one thick pallet for himself.
Parking was also easy though I can see their lot filling up on busier days. I'll definitely go back to check out the Compline chant one day. I've heard SO much about it. -
Review from Carol P.
Seattle, WA
2/5/2012
I do not believe the Compline service could be improved upon, except if maybe it were countless hundreds of years ago and we all arrived at the cathedral on foot or riding on the beasts who plow our fields alongside us, to listen as the choir, on all our behalves, thanks their conception of the Power that moves the waters and resides in the light, for giving us life.
No words can convey what that service freely gives and, like somebody else said, I'm not Christian. Or Buddhist. Or an adherent of any other earthly doctrine. In this singularly beautiful service there is room for all, even if at one point they do explicitly state that their way is through their fabled Jesus of Nazareth. Even with all the intolerance, oppression, and bitterly cruel judgments that I personally associate with Christianity, at Compline I'm allowed to come dressed as I please, believing whatever mishmash of things I do, and still find and share in the peace. -
Review from Judy M.
Tecumseh, MI
1/26/2012
After reading all of the rave reviews about the 9:30 service, I'm so regretful that our group who recently visited Seattle last weekend failed to attend; instead, we came to "EvenSong" at 5:30. It was lovely, and we felt very important since our group of 7, 2 others, the reader of scripture, the celebrant, the choir and the organist made up the congregation. We were puzzled by the silence before and after the service, thinking them unfriendly, but perhaps, in light of what I have learned from the other reviews, this silence was part of the service. Truly hope to attend the Compline service one day.
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Review from Valerie L.
Seattle, WA
7/26/2010 1 photo
Compline chant service: Every Sunday night at 9:30PM, a transcendent experience appropriate for people of ALL faiths! Everyone in Seattle needs the experience at least once.
This is one of my most cherished traditions that I've picked up since moving to Seattle 6 years ago. And I'm not even Christian.
The chant service lasts a half hour, and unlike 'churchy' church, the room remains dark, nobody talks at you, and you don't have to participate in anything. All you do is check your preconceptions at the door, zone out, and absorb.
I am one of the many people who choose the floor over the pews. I find a good spot, lie on my back, and stare up at the amazing timber ceiling. In the winter I remain bundled in my coat and scarf.
Much of the service follows the same order each week, but is always sung differently. It's an absolutely amazing sound. The anthem is my favorite part - always a different melodic piece, and always very artistic.
The only time the congregation gets involved is when they stand for the Apostles Creed right in the middle of the service. It's the part where they tell you that you believe in God, Jesus, the Resurrection, etc. It's a heavy statement. I stand out of respect, but you don't have to. Then everyone lays/sits back down and they continue on. No biggie.
If you're lucky, they will have a short organ concert after the chant service. One night, they immediately started playing Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (think evil castle music, AWESOME)!
Quickly though, lets cover some etiquette housekeeping ok?
- Don't wear clicky shoes or clinky jewelry.
- Show up early!
- If you have to walk in late, sit in the BACK. don't traipse your flip flops all the way up to the front and then start unzipping your backpack
- Cell phones off!!! Seriously. I don't need to hear Usher singing about boobies while I'm contemplating eternity.
- Forgot to turn off your cell phone, but you realize it's in your velcro pocket? Rip the velcro like a bikini wax strip, not one row of teeth at time over a period of 3 minutes. OMG.
- Once you're in the church it's quiet time, ok? No talking.
- Bring a dollar to put in the basket at the door to support the church and its programs. To see such a service is a privilege. -
Review from Erin H.
Seattle, WA
11/5/2010
There's just something about this place.
First off... the church itself is beautiful. When you walk in, you feel the holy nature of all of it. Here's the interesting part, although the place is huge, the community is rather small in feel. They always have groups so you don't get lost in the shuffle if you really want to make a place for yourself.
I love the diversity of the people who attend Sunday morning service, and the diversity of the people who facilitate the Sunday morning service. There isn't one set type of person here.
The Compline services is something everyone should go to at least once. Go on a Sunday night when you're looking at a tough work week ahead... it's a great way to center yourself.
My recommendation if you're tossing around the idea of going to church around this time of year... go to their Christmas service, and then go to the labyrinth walk for New Years Eve.
Both experiences are amazing.
The music, the peace, the people...
Weather you're a hetero couple with 6 kids, a single in your 20's, an LGBT family, wealthy, not so wealthy... you're welcome here. No sideways glances.
It's just all around a really nice place to be. -
Review from Adrienne S.
Seattle, WA
9/5/2010
Their Sunday night Compline Service almost makes me wish I was religious.
The church and the service is absolutely beautiful. Go to this service for meditation, reflection, and simply to enjoy beautiful singing.
Whatever faith/spirit you believe in, St. Mark's is the place on Sunday nights.
(Don't be loud!) -
Review from Nancy B.
Slickpoo, ID
9/21/2007
Yay for Catholic Light! A woot out to Elizabeth the First and her moms for getting it going!
This is the one church I have EVER been to outside of AA meetings, weddings and funerals, and while I am not a Christian I do have a belief in a power greater than all of us (though I suspect it is comprised of all of us) and I feel like this is a great place to tap into that.
Compline services on Sunday are standing (or laying on the floor) room only, the audience is as diverse as an airport Starbucks. The voices of choir are incredibly cathartic and soothing - the room truly seems to fill with the spirit of everyone in attendance. That, to me, is what God is.
Check it out some Sunday night.
(And if you think you might want to stop self medicating in whatever your compound of choice maybe check out the basement on Mondays at 8 pm)
UPDATE: My main mo here at work gave me the heads up that there is a Gay/Lesbian service here at 7 Sunday evenings. Wow, this place just doesn't stop. *clappies*Listed in: The Making of Badassica
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Review from Kaitlyn M.
Venice, CA
7/24/2007
I go to the 9:30 Compline service on Sunday nights and always leave feeling a little bit lighter. It's a meditative service, about a half hour in length, and not your ordinary church going experience. It's led by an all male Compline choir whose chants fill the enormous cathedral in a somewhat eery but beautiful way.
People come in droves, pack the pews, and sprawl themselves out on the floor, laying or sitting whereever they see fit to. It's almost liberating, laying on the floor of what usually is such a traditional space.
Not a particularly religious person myself, Compline is still an experience to be appreciated. It's also a rather social event, people come in groups, and meet up with friends, but this is never much of a distraction, and if anything it adds to the energy of the place.
It's a nice, calm and refreshing way to start, or end, the week. No matter what you do, or don't, believe in. -
Review from Matthew F.
Seattle, WA
6/4/2010
Thank God (no really, I mean it this time!) we have such a tradition as the Compline Choir at St. Mark's every Sunday.
I first went in 1996, quite reluctantly I might add, and quickly fell in love with this service.
It's simple really; You walk in, find a seat or lie on the floor if no seats are left, the priests file in, they sing a capella, you get chills down your spine because the music is incredible, maybe you weep, the priests finish, they file out, and you leave. There's no sermon, no harassment about tithing, no secret agenda to damn you to hell if you aren't Christian.
St. Mark's is awesome. -
Review from Sonic D.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2007
I had a great first date here once. We went on Sunday night at 9:30 when they have Compline (ancient night time prayers). People came and filled every inch of the sanctuary. There were people laying on the ground, between the pews, sitting against the walls, the place was packed. Then you just sit back and enjoy the beautiful prayers being sung. If you want the same experience at home, they broadcast it live on King 98.1FM as well.
I recommend this for anyone that needs their souls to be touched. Even if you're not religious or have issues with organized religion, or are somewhat spiritual but not to a particular faith or god or doctrine, I can't imagine someone at least feeling a sense of calm and peace at Compline.
If anything, it made for a unique first date. We went to Dilettante's for dessert later and the next night I went out with a different guy, but it had no thing to do with St. Marks'. -
Review from Grant W.
Edmonds, WA
5/9/2008
OK. So why am i writing about a church?? But little do you know this is one of my favorite places to go on a Sunday Nights at 9:30. Its called Compline but in reality it's The Monks.
I first started going 2 years ago and ever since then i've been hooked. About ten to thirteen men walk and begin to sing the most relaxing songs you have ever heard in your entire life. They use the tall ceilings to perfections allowing their songs to cascade around the building like a cool breeze on summer day. Its that amazing. They sing mainly in Latin, and even though you can not understand hte words they make you fall asleep. It's that good!
My favorite part is that its not a typical church service, there is no preaching, there is no pastor or priest. Its just 300 to 400 people laying ether on the floor with blankets or in the pews. Its very diverse and keeps a urban feeling. There are no rules! where you can lay orstand, the only thing is they just want you to be quite. The ages range from 15 to 75 everyone can enjoy this.
I love it. And to be honest at first i didn't think it would be that great. But i'm hooked. Sometimes you have to just get away and relax, this allows you to do this. It's my meditation time and my time to just think and get my mind clear of all the distraction that I had during the week. GIVE yourself a chance to get hooked too. WHAT ELSE ARE U DOING ON A SUNDAY AT 9:30?!
See you there ! and remember a blanket! -
Review from Tamra A.
Seattle, WA
12/5/2008
Love the Compline service, I always take out of town guests visiting to hear this. The church is so gorgeous at night. I'd love to have my wedding there at night, lit by candles. It feels like being in medieval Spain.
What a wonderful way to end the weekend and have some sort of semblance of spirituality in my life. -
Review from Helen F.
Seattle, WA
4/30/2008
I first found myself at St Marks because a friend invited me to sit in with the women's choir. (I guess the voice lessons paid off.) I fell in love with the music, the magical mechanical tracking Flentrop organ, the kind and knowledgable music staff and the oh so brilliant acoustics!
Then I started meeting the people! Somewhere along the line...I got hooked on the place. A whacking great lot of service goes on there, at last count they have 81 different ministries. These folks have learned a thing or two about service to humanity. And they are not a stuffy lot, no sir. Right now the tent city folks are being hosted in their parking lot and homeless women are given a place to sleep in a part of the church every night.
I have never felt more at home nor more welcomed than I do at St. Marks. In fact this year I decided to become a member. See you around. -
Review from Stephanie E.
Seattle, WA
6/15/2009
I read about the Compline ("compline" means last prayers of the day, or the completion of the work day) on Sunday nights, and had to go. It was truly peaceful and an experience unlike any I've had. People were there early, mostly by themselves and wrapped in blankets, eyes closed. It is the perfect meditation setting, no matter whether you are religious or not. The service was beautiful, lasted about 20 minutes, and would definitely be a wonderful routine to end one work week and start a new one fresh.
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Review from Jessi B.
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
9/29/2007
"comin' straight outta compline!"
i was raised catholic (complete with the guilt guilt guilt guilt down in my heart) but have not attended a church function in a very long time. (well, save for a couple of funerals over the years.) so it felt a bit strange to not only be walking into st. mark's, but to be doing it entirely of my own volition. nonetheless, i walked in, found a nice bit of floor to lie on, and waited for the choir to start.
it was beautiful. i'm glad i went, and i'd gladly go again. i have a really hard time letting myself just *stop* for a while, and compline offers me that opportunity. -
Review from Sarah S.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2009
The Compline service is one of the neatest things I've gone to in awhile- a fantastic Sunday night activity. I'm not one for religion of any kind, but I didn't feel like that even really mattered. It was the perfect way to conclude what had been a rather hectic weekend. The service was peaceful, the music was beautiful, the Cathedral was chilly and I would recommend wearing an extra layer or bringing a blanket/pillow so you can be comfortable and truly enjoy the experience.
Listed in: Sunday Fundays
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Review from Brndn N.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2006
One of my best friends who is studying to be a minister attends this really gay-friendly church. It is a very open-minded community with gay and lesbian members who are active in the euqality-bringing scene. Besides that, St. Mark's is definitely a Seattle landmark and really beautiful - whether you are inside of it, or catching a glimpse of it while driving on I-5. It's no Sacre-Coeur (Paris), but the organ is huge!
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Review from Victory L.
Seattle, WA
9/15/2008
Beautiful. Open. Loving to all. Just as Jesus taught. Why say more?
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Review from jeff r.
Nevada City, CA
1/31/2010
As good as it gets, indeed! I wish I lived in Seattle! Why? The Compline Choir. I have wasted six and a half decades living somewhere else.
Superlatives do not begin to describe the mystical, musical, soul- touching, and spiritual nature of this seventh and final 'office' of the monastic day. Week after week, these boys do something truly magical. Jeanie and I were in Seattle on October 4th, 2009 and took in the service, sitting as close as we could to the choir. Everything is right. The tone/sound of the superbly balanced ensemble is rich, vibrant and worshipful. The undulating character of the chant moves me like nothing else in my professional music career. (I played bass trombone in the LA Phil for 38 yrs.)
This choir and what they do is a musical window to the divine. Kudos to Peter Hallock who started the whole thing in 1956, and the talented current torch-bearer, director Jason Anderson. And kudos to the men of Compline, who devote a good deal of time, and over a long period of time to make each and every Compline what it is. Compline is an ancient service tracing it's roots back to the year 379 AD. Let's see.... Started in 1956, 52 times a year, times 53 years; that's 2756 Complines? That is a LOT of programs to pull together.
PEOPLE!, (yes I'm shouting) I don't think you realize how incredible good this group is on every level. It is the granddaddy of all Compline Choirs on the planet.
I was so taken by your Compline Choir that I started one at our own Episcopal Church in Nevada City CA. We have been singing compline once a month on a Sunday Eve. for the last 8 months. Compared to the mighty Seattle Band, we are not worthy!
I listen to every podcast of your Comp. Choir and it is now a relationship-not just an experience- a balm to sooth the sin-sick soul.
regards, as always, jefe
