Since 2000, Karl Matherne has been the worship leader at St. Mark’s, bringing with him a wealth of experience in church music. Karl received a B.A. in Music from the University of New Orleans, and also a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance. Karl leads a traditional Wesleyan Hymnbook service with congregational singing and responsive readings and prayers.
St. Mark’s features a variety of music and musicians. Guest pianists rotate on a weekly basis and St. Mark’s is blessed to have such gift musicians as Doss Burroughs, Paul Cowgill, Cathy Chavarri and Jim Walpole sharing their gift with us. On occasion, our worship is enhanced by visiting musicians such as Sam Craft, violin, Sam Bortugna, trumpet, and Harry Wadsworth IV, cello.
The David Wiltshire Memorial Fund was established by Noble and Jane Wiltshire to honor the memory of their musician son. The first was held in February, 2009 when World Beat Connection, a Jazz Combo from Minneapolis, MN performed a concert in the St. Mark’s sanctuary. In June, 2009 Wade Barnes and Unit Structures, from New York City performed their program “Music of the African Diaspora & its Influence on the Development of Jazz” to an appreciative audience. Parties in Persia, an original musical based on the Book of Esther and written by Doss Burroughs, a frequent guest pianist at St. Mark’s, delighted all who came to see this first public production comprised of local amateur instrumental and vocal musical talent. The First UMC of Jacksonville Youth Choir performed a musical during worship in June; and in October, 2010 a concert featuring Noteworthy Duo, Classical Guitarist Michael Nigro and Flutist, Lisa Schroeder of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA was held at St. Mark’s. Keith Outlaw from Brooklyn, NY provided a marvelous message in word and music in November, 2010
As the only “Open and Affirming” Protestant church in the Historic Districts we try to serve a diverse set of needs for a unique community. Karl remarks, “At this point in time, St. Mark’s does not have the financial resources available to restore its historic organ to its former glory; and we do not have the personnel for a choir. But every Sunday, music plays an important part in our worship experience. Our beautifully acoustic sanctuary amazingly magnifies tones vocally and instrumentally from flute to violin to accordion, to cello, to tuba, to harmonica. If you plan to visit, let us know if you have a musical gift to offer, and we will be glad to feature yours!” We are happy to announce that in June, 2010, a Taylor Baby Grand Piano was given in honor of Judy Watts, who “retired” after serving faithfully more than twenty-five years as organist and, later when the organ no longer worked, as pianist. Music continues to be central to worship at St. Mark’s. Come and listen!
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