The Addison Centre for Theology & Arts

The Addison Center for Theology and the Arts

 

“We Anglicans are not given to writing great theology. There are notable exceptions, but they are difficult to remember; but when Anglicanism is at its best its liturgy, its poetry, its music and its life can create a world in which it is easy to fall in love with God.”            (Urban T. Holmes)

"Every genuine art form in its own way is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world.  It is therefore a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith, which gives human experience its ulitmate meaning"            (Pope John-Paul II "Letter to the artists, 1999)

 

A dialogue between Christian theology and the Arts is a conversation that enriches both partners. The contribution of the artist (painter, sculptor, musician, dancer, architect and poet) to the faith community enriches our understanding of Christian theology and the creative labors of the artist help the believer to hear, see and speak the language of faith. Encouraging the work of the artists within our community feeds our soul and exercises our mind thereby enriching the community. St. Mark’s is a place where the Arts are actively encouraged and a community where we are engaged in a life long learning experience.

 

St. Mark’s is blessed with incredible musical resources which include the following: a Keates - Delaware Pipe Organ, a Yamaha (C7 Grand) piano, a Gabriel Kney mechanical action chamber organ (11 stops) , a Technics (2X- PX554) electric rehearsal  piano as well as a restored pump organ (Estey, 1891 ).  In the fall of 2010 "Music Niagara" purchased a Sabathil Harpsichord which will reside at St. Mark's. (French, double manual).  In 2007 the firm of Meeks and Watson cast nine new bells, retuned the original nine (Meneely, West Troy, N.Y., 1877) and supplied a new chime keyboard and automated playing system. The church has striking stained glass windows most of which were created and installed by McCausland and Sons, Toronto, the earliest of which is over 150 years old. The cover for the baptismal font, St. Mark and the lion was created by the Canadian sculptor, Jacobine Jones, and our Pascal candle stand was designed by international artist Campbell Scott. Scott who lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake was also commissioned to design the space and furnishings for the Library in Addison Hall and built the two overhead lanterns while local artisan, William German, crafted the tables, chairs and bookshelves. This library of fifteen hundred volumes houses the Addison collection, the oldest library in the province of Ontario.

 

As well as incredible resources, St. Mark’s has been the chief venue each summer for Music Niagara Chamber Festival (www.niagaramusicfest.com) since the festival’s inception in 1999. For over a decade internationally acclaimed artists have come to Niagara to play a variety of recitals and each summer St. Mark’s plays host to some of the most gifted performers. The artistic director of the Festival, Atis Bankas, (first violinist, Toronto Symphony and resident of Niagara –on-the-Lake), is a frequent recitalist during the festival in July – August and a guest instrumentalist at St. Mark’s throughout the year. In addition to the chamber music festival the church plays host to a number of concerts both classical and contemporary throughout the year. Because of its superior acoustics and fine instruments the building is a favorite setting for musical performers.

 

Since 1992 the parish has hosted an Annual Lecture Series. Internationally renowned theologian’s journey to St. Mark’s offering a series of lectures and speakers have included: John Dominic Crossan, Marcus Borg, Sister Joan Chittister, Elaine Pagels, Matthew Fox and Walter Bruggemann. The 2010 speaker (June 18,19,20) was Imam Fesial Abdul Rauf. The lectures provide this faith community and our many visitors with an opportunity to hear the wisdom of those who wrestle with the spiritual issues of the day. As our knowledge is deepened and our perceptions expanded we grow in faith and our hopes are rekindled. This lecture series is the only one I know of in Canada that happens within the context of a living faith community.

In 2009 St. Mark’s entered into an Agreement with the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts (www.willowbank.ca). This outreach is a cooperative venture in which Willowbank students help the parish to address the conservation issues here in the historic buildings and property of St. Mark’s. This learning provides the student valuable field work experience in conservation, restoration and repair. This relationship is beneficial to both parties and is an association that is essential to ensure the future of this historic faith community.

St. Mark’s honors the creative labors of the artist and the thoughtful reflections of the theological scholar. More information is available on our website ( www.stmarks1792.com) and if you are searching for a place to call your spiritual home we invite you to consider St. Mark’s, Niagara-on-the-Lake.     

 

R.S.G. Wright

 

FOR  PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLEASE SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY