About Us

Our Identity

We blend tradition with gentle creativity, a

offer room to breathe and belong,

and live out a faith that shows up in real, practical ways

Our Mission

  • reflect the love of God by sharing gifts, talents and resources throughout our whole faith community
  • encourage openness, respect and diversity where all people are welcome regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, differing abilities, ethnic background or economic circumstance within and outside our church boundaries
  • cherish and sustain our Christian faith through the word of God, music, laughter, food and caring during good times and challenges, remaining true to our roots while planning our future. 

Our Purpose

The purpose of St. Mark’s United Church is to provide leadership and support for worship and Christian development among all age groups within the congregation and the community.

We, the congregation, achieve this by working together in co-operation with our Minister and Church Board, using all our resources as an informed Church of Jesus Christ, and by supporting, through prayer, Christian witness and financial contributions, the work of the local and wider Church.

Accessibility

  • Our church is fully accessible on both levels, with a lift device to facilitate movement from both floors.

  • We have a fully accessible washroom on the first floor.

  • St. Mark’s is equipped with an onsite Defibrillator (AED) for emergency use, located halfway between the sanctuary and the basement."


Our Leadership Team

Frequently Asked Questions

    Baptisms

        St. Mark’s would be happy to talk to you about baptism, its meaning, and how it fits into the spiritual journey of a person or family. Contact Rev. Ryan to set-up a time.

        Our baptism policy is available upon request.

    Weddings

        Congratulations! We would be happy to talk to you about your wedding plans.

        Start by contacting the office and provide names, proposed
        date, and a couple of ways we can contact you. You can also receive up-to-date information on cost-recovery fees.

        Once we have your information the pastor will follow-up. Our wedding policy is available upon request.

    Funerals

        We’re sorry for your loss. Please call the church office immediately so we can see how we may be able to help. At this time, we are unable to provide receptions after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, due to the use of the building by NOSH daycar (New Old School House Before and After School Daycare).

        Our funeral policy is available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

    What is an Affirming Congregation?

        In 2015, St. Mark’s became a member of Affirm United/S’affirme ensemble, working for the full inclusion of people of all gender identities and sexual orientations in the United Church of Canada and in society.

    Support and Membership

        Do I have to be a member to participate?
        No, not for most things, like worship, events or groups. However, only full members can serve on the Church Board and there are a few situations where only full members can vote. If you are not certain, please ask.

    Am I a Member or How Do I Become One?

        Good question. If you are not certain of your membership status, we can check the Historic Roll and let you know.

        If you are not a member, and would like to officially join St. Mark’s it is best to talk to the pastor as each situation is a little different. For example, if you are a youth or an adult, and have not been baptized, you will join St. Mark’s through the sacrament of baptism. If you have already been baptized, then you are usually become part of St. Mark’s by transferring your membership from your previous church. In both cases becoming a member will be celebrated in worship.

    Sunday Worship

        What should I wear to church?
        There was a time when suits and ties and hats and gloves were the norm at church, but that time has long passed. Today, people generally dress comfortably for the weather. Rev. Ryan usually wears Hawaiian shirts from May to October!

        What about my kids?
        In a church with many teachers and school volunteers, kids are always welcome to join in worship and other events. One of the best salespeople at the Country Bazaar was only nine!
        We have an area called the “Pray-Ground” right in the sanctuary.
        Other children’s ministries will be added based on interest.

    Transport and Accessibility

        Is St. Mark’s accessible?
        Yes! Access the sanctuary by the ramp door or the lower hall by the door facing Aqua Bay. There is a lift to move between floors and an accessible washroom.

        Where do we park? What about bikes or transit?
        There is parking onsite. We are also a short walk from Belleville Transit Route 9. If you ride your bike, you can keep it safe in the foyer.

    Where Do We Park?

        There is parking onsite. We are also a short walk from Belleville Transit Route 9. If you ride your bike, we will let you keep it safe in the foyer.

    How Do I Support St. Mark's?

        There are many different ways to support St. Mark’s and its ministries. Attending worship or events is one way, as is helping with regular drives like our fall collection for The Gleaner’s Food Bank. The gift of your time is a welcome gift.

        Talents are also welcome. Perhaps you would enjoy being part of the pie making group, the Quinte United Choir, or share a special craft skill you have. If you are not certain who to speak to, ask the pastor.

        You can also support St. Mark’s with your treasure by visiting our “Online Giving” page

    Other Questions

        NOSH Daycare
        The daycare at St. Mark’s is a before/after school program operated by the (New Old School House) daycare. For further information contact them at (613) 962-1412 or info@noshdaycare.com.

        Vaccine Clinic
        St. Mark’s offer’s its space free of charge for drive-through vaccination clinics offered by Belleville-Queen’s Family Health Team. If you are a patient of the health team you book your appointment through your doctor. If you are not a patient, please contact your primary healthcare provider or
        Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health.

        AA Group
        The Friday Cannifton group is an open meeting, meaning anyone can come. Currently, it is meeting at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, but you can confirm by checking the AA website. Other meetings at St. Mark’s are closed meetings. St. Mark’s is an accessible building.

Our History

At its founding, Cannifton was not a neighbourhood of Belleville, but a burgeoning mill-town of Upper Canada, named after Joseph Cannif. In 1867 it boasted:

  • Three grist-mills to grind grain for flour and animal feed,
  • Three sawmills and a planing mill to make smooth lumber for building, 
  • Two fulling and carding mills preparing wool to be spun into cloth, and a new point ashery, making potash for use in soapmaking. 

It’s also rumoured Joseph Caniff’s house was a stop on the Underground Railroad. From its inception, the church was connected with others in Thurlow Township and the area to the north.

In 1967, the preaching places of the pastoral charge (a group of churches working together) amalgamated and were rechristened as St. Mark’s. The Cannifton building (1852) continues to server as the worship, office and event location for the congregation.

The other congregations were:

  • Carmel (1866) near present day Harmony Public School and used as an overflow classroom for a number of years; 
  • Bethany (1866), now a house on Bethany Road, which had a very active Young People’s Union fielding a mixed slow-pitch team when this was still novel;
  • St. Andrew’s Gilead (1863), on Harmony Road east of Bronk Road, in the centre of the existing cemetery;
  • Centre Street (1892) now a community centre near the lawn bowling greens in Hilcrest Park.

Cannifton, Carmel, and Bethany were initiated by Methodist horseback riding evangelists called circuit riders. St. Andrew’s was started as a Presbyterian congregation, and Centre Street was planted as a mission of Bridge Street United, Belleville.

*Information compiled by Wib Brown in his book Faith, Fellowship, Food and Fun: A History of St. Mark’s United Church (Cannifton).