SAINT MARK'S
Episcopal Church
Albuquerque, NM
OPERATING VIRTUALLY & IN PERSON
SUNDAY WORSHIP, 9:30 a.m.
THURSDAY MIDWEEK WORSHIP, 11 a.m.
OFFICE HOURS: 9–2, M–Th
SACRED MUSIC
Our Mission
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is a vibrant and growing congregation in the Monte Vista neighborhood near the University of New Mexico. We are blessed with a diverse congregation full of all the generations, young, old, families, seniors, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. Our parish made up of people from a wide variety of religious backgrounds, and our music reflects that diversity. While firmly rooted in the Episcopal Eucharistic tradition, the Book of Common Prayer and the 1982 Hymnal, we are also eclectic and adventurous in our worship life preferring the path of participation and involvement in worship to the stifling need for perfection. We want our children and youth to know that this is their church and they can take leadership and be involved alongside adults. We use a variety of music resources including denominational hymnals Gather, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, Wonder Love and Praise, various Psalm settings, Music that Makes Community resources and we are always open to learning more and growing. We desire for our musical life to be part of our mission: “Together we are building something beautiful for God in our Neighborhood.”
Our Choir
We have a volunteer choir of 20-25 adult and youth voices, supported by paid section leaders, that offer anthems, psalms, service music and support congregational singing during the Sunday morning liturgy and Holy Days. We welcome singers of all ages and abilities to join the choir. Our section leaders offer training and mentoring for new singers. Our choir sings in the 9:30 service every Sunday of the year, with a rehearsal at 8:50 a.m. in the choir loft. We also rehearse on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during the academic year. For more information contact our Director of Music, Jeremy Wirth, or just drop in to join a rehearsal!
Our Instruments
The music of our liturgies is led primarily by pipe organ and piano. Our parish has been blessed for nearly 70 years by the musical support of our attractive 1954 36-rank Reuters pipe organ. We have recently acquired a beautiful new Letourneau Organ which will enhance and enrich our musical life at St. Mark's for many years to come. We are in the midst of a Building Renewal Project, which will culminate in the installation of our new organ. The parish is also blessed with several fine pianos
Special Music
Our services are enhanced throughout the year by vocal solos and special instrumentalists. At least once a year, the choir prepares a piece of special music to be offered in place of the regular sermon in worship. You can enjoy musical homilies from Advent III 2022, Advent III 2023, and Trinity Sunday 2024 in videos below.
Links to Worship Videos:
Sunday, May 26, 2024/Trinity Sunday (Start at 22:13)
Sunday, December 17, 2023/Advent III (Start at 24)
Sunday, December 11, 2022/Advent III (Start at 15:30)
Our Leader
Jeremy R. Wirth, JD MBA DMA
Music Director/Organist
Originally from Kansas, Jeremy Wirths lived in Dallas for several years before relocating to Albuquerque in 2018. In addition to his work at St. Mark's, Jeremy continues his role as Director of Development for Opera Southwest, Albuquerque's opera company. Before moving to New Mexico, he served as Music Director of churches in Kansas, Georgia, and Texas. He has also taught music at the university level. Jeremy considers himself a lifelong learner and has earned several degrees. Most recently, Jeremy earned an MBA at Southern Methodist University in Dallas focused in arts administration. More relevant to his work at St. Mark's are his doctoral degree in choral conducting from the University of North Texas and master’s degree in organ performance from Emory University, a program which included extensive study of liturgical theology and practice. Jeremy's undergraduate degree in music was earned at the University of Kansas (rock chalk!). He graduated as Juris Doctor from the University of New Mexico, and was admitted to the NM State Bar in 2024. Jeremy has several hobbies and a vibrant social life. Highlights include his love of the Santa Fe Opera, Whisk(e)y, and his Standard Schnauzer, Anna Magdalena (named for the wife of Johann Sebastian Bach). The third coequal person of the household is Jeremy's spouse James, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon practicing and teaching at UNMH. James and Jeremy are New Mexico foster parents. Jeremy looks forward to working together to bring great organ music to St. Mark's.