St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, located on Locust Street in the heart of Center City, is a notable religious edifice renowned for its adherence to the Anglo-Catholic tradition within the Episcopal Church. This church is an integral part of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, reflecting its rich religious and cultural heritage.

The church's origins date back to the mid-19th Century, emerging as a consequence of the Tractarian Oxford Movement, which aimed at reviving certain aspects of the Anglican Church. This movement's influence is evident in the architectural and spiritual ethos of Saint Mark's.

Architecturally, the church is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival style, a project initially conceived by John Notman. Its construction spanned from 1847 to 1849, following the original design by the esteemed English architect Richard Cromwell Carpenter. Notman himself designed the church's tower, which was eventually completed in 1865 by George Hewitt, adding a distinctive feature to the church's skyline.

A significant addition to the church came in 1923 with the main entrance. This portal, adorned with polychromed figures depicting "Christ in Majesty," is the work of Milton Bennett Medary. This artistic and architectural element further enhances the church's spiritual and historical resonance.

Another key feature of Saint Mark's is the Lady Chapel, an exquisite example of the late decorated Gothic style. Designed by the architectural firm Cope and Stewardson, it was constructed in 1900. Remarkably, the chapel's ceiling is recognized as the first known example in the United States of a stone vault. The chapel, along with its furnishings, was a generous donation by Rodman Wanamaker in memory of his late wife, reflecting the community's engagement and support for the church.