The 7 Rectors of St. Mark’s

St. Mark’s has had seven Rectors in 75 years. Here’s a picture of each, the dates on which they served, and why they left (just because it’s interesting). We’ll try to tell each of these stories over time. None is a secret – they were all covered in the pages of the local Palo Alto Times newspaper!!

Tanner Brown was our first Rector. He served from the founding in 1948 until 1951. The Vestry did not renew his contract because he was near retirement and they felt he was not up to handling the rapid expansion of the parish.

Canon Edwin West was our second Rector (1951-1961). Canon West resigned due to a dispute with Bishop Pike over his concern that the church was drifting away from such traditional beliefs as the virgin birth, as well as his deep dislike of institutionlized fund raisers such as rummage sales and his inability to stop them. He left and joined a different denomination.

The third Rector was Rev. Spencer Rice (1962-1965). Rev. Rice was much loved, but had to resign when he and his wife divorced.

Rev. Len Whitlinger was the fourth rector (1965-1971). The Vestry let Rev. Whitlinger go supposedly after sermons he preached, such as one in opposition to the Vietnam War, were felt to be too liberal.

Rev. Colin Campbell was rector number five (1972-1984). Colin Campbell resigned when he became ill with lung cancer. He passed away shortly after he resigned.

Rev. Joe Morris Doss was Rector number six (1985-1993). Rev. Doss left St. Mark’s when he was elected Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey.

Rev. Matt McDermott is our current Rector (1993-present).

Sources

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