South Surrey church marks 60 years at its Ocean Park location

The Parish of St. Mark in South Surrey will host a free neighbourhood barbecue Sept. 26 to mark the diamond anniversary of its Ocean Park location. The event will run from 5 to 7 p.m., with local Scouting groups preparing the food. Donations received will benefit those groups.

Rev. David Taylor said the gathering is meant to bring people together for a meal and conversation. The parish will be open for visitors to explore during the barbecue, with tables available inside and outside.

The church has been at 12953 20 Ave. since 1966, while its organized history began more than 60 years earlier in Crescent Beach as the Church of the Ascension. The current building opened in February 1990. It includes a stained-glass window from the former Crescent Beach church and a restored Chickering Concert Grand built in Boston in 1895.

Taylor said the congregation has been shrinking, particularly since the pandemic, but new people still arrive each Sunday. He said the parish is active in neighbourhood outreach and has long had a special place for youth. Anniversary celebrations begin Sunday, Sept. 20, with cake and a gathering after the 10 a.m. service.