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Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral: A Seattle Landmark

A Seattle architectural gem and spiritual haven, offering a welcoming community, stunning design, and peaceful gardens in the heart of Capitol Hill.

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Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, located on Capitol Hill in Seattle, is a prominent and architecturally significant house of worship [3, 5]. Founded in 1889, the cathedral's current structure, though only partially completed from its original design, stands as a testament to perseverance and offers a welcoming space for all [3, 7].

A brief summary to Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience and to fully appreciate the cathedral's peaceful ambiance [13, 19].
  • Check the cathedral's schedule for concerts, services, and events that may enhance your visit [13, 19].
  • Explore the gardens surrounding the cathedral for a tranquil and reflective experience [13, 19].
  • Take a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about the cathedral's history, architecture, and art [13, 15, 19].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Broadway and E John St in Capitol Hill, walk east on E John St for approximately 10 minutes [13]. Turn left onto 10th Ave E, and you'll find Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral at 1245 10th Ave E on your left [13]. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Saint Mark's Cathedral is accessible via several Metro bus routes [2, 4, 10, 14]. Bus routes 9, 10, 49, and 70 have stops near the cathedral [10, 14]. The closest bus stop is 10th Ave E & E Galer St, a 1-minute walk from the cathedral [10, 14]. From the Capitol Hill light rail station, walk north on Broadway, then turn right on E Howell St, and then right again on 10th Ave E. The cathedral will be on your right. A single adult fare for King County Metro is $2.75, which can be paid using an ORCA card or the Transit GO Ticket app.

  • Driving

    From I-5 Northbound, take the Olive Way exit [2]. Turn left on Broadway, which becomes 10th Ave E after the shopping district [2]. Continue on 10th Ave E to the cathedral [2]. From I-5 Southbound, take the Boylston Street exit [2]. Turn left onto E Roanoke Street, then right onto 10th Ave E [2]. The cathedral will be on the right. Parking is available in the cathedral lots, with fees payable via the PayByPhone mobile app at a rate of $2.85/hour [12]. Parking is free on Sundays and for those attending cathedral liturgies or official cathedral-sponsored events [12]. Street parking is also available but limited to two hours [12, 17].

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Discover more about Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, a Seattle landmark, has a rich history dating back to 1889 when it was established as a mission church [3, 7]. The original church was downtown, but as the congregation grew, a new location was sought on Capitol Hill, with land purchased in 1923 [7]. In 1926, Saint Mark's was designated the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia [3, 7]. Construction began in 1928, but the Great Depression severely impacted funding, leaving the cathedral incomplete [3, 5, 7]. The original design included ornate, granite-clad Gothic towers and a lush stone and wood interior [5]. What stands today is a cast-in-place concrete structure, partially finished with stone, brick, and wood [5]. Despite its incomplete state, the interior evokes a sense of magnificence, reminiscent of ancient Byzantine or Romanesque basilicas [5]. During the Great Depression, the cathedral faced foreclosure and was shut down for two years [3]. From 1943 to 1944, the U.S. Army even used the space as an anti-aircraft training facility, leaving behind murals in the crypt [3]. However, through dedication and fundraising, the mortgage was paid off in 1947, and the cathedral was rededicated [3, 7]. Today, Saint Mark's is known for its inclusiveness, community outreach, and stunning architectural features [6, 8, 21]. The cathedral boasts one of the largest pipe organs in Seattle, built in 1965 and subsequently restored and expanded [3, 7]. The Rose Window, a glass and steel screen designed by Ed Carpenter and Jim Olson, serves as a focal point, capturing the attention of visitors both inside and outside the building [7, 21]. The cathedral also has beautiful gardens and grounds, providing a tranquil escape in the city [13, 19].

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