Deconsecration Of St Marks Woodpecker

In 2016,Vicar Alexis Saunders  retired to the Hixon Area, 48 km south of Prince George.  Within a short time she learned from her son there was a small church located at Woodpecker. It had been built in 1939 but was not being used.

In 2018 with the support of Bishop Barbara Andrews and the encouragement of a neighbor - Laurel, Alexis began a project to hold regular services at the Church.

It had its challenges with no heat or electricity but with a small number of attendees she persevered . There were baptisms, gatherings for Christmas and Easter, anniversaries and other events. The numbers grew and a community came together and once again the building was a centre for worship.

But as the years went on it was becoming clearer that it could not continue and Vicar Alexis made the decision to retire permanently. So plans were made to come together to pray and celebrate for the last times.

Sunday, August 25th was the last Evening Prayer held at St Marks with 4 people.  A week later on Sunday, Sept.1st the last Morning Prayer Service was held with 9 people. Finally, on Wednesday, Sept.4th, Bishop Clara Plamondon joined Vicar Alexis and 19  congregants for the Deconsecration Service. It was nearly 85 years to the day that St Marks       (Sept.7th,1939) was closed.

The Bishop invited us to share the memories of  occasions held at St Marks and there was alot of laughter. The Bishop presented Vicar Alexis with flowers to say thank you for all her contributions. After the service it was time to deconsecrate the Church and items were removed and brought to another location.

After the services were over there were always a cup of tea and a treat. Fellowship is what we are left with and value dearly.

Thank you Vicar Alexis, you will always be a part of the history of St Marks .

The building still stands and is available for rent . Please contact the Fire Dept in Hixon 250 998 4310