St Mark’s Fitzroy: A Legacy of Activism
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St Mark’s Fitzroy has a long and impactful history of serving diverse communities, including Aboriginal groups, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and the homeless population of Fitzroy. Through its legacy of activism and inclusion, St Mark’s has provided solace and support for generations.
What's On
Come take an interactive tour of St Mark’s. Moving through designated stops, you'll hear volunteers and subject experts share stories and historical narratives of St Mark’s role in community activism and care.
There will be personal displays and art from Reverend Doctor Cecilia Francis, the first woman priest to preside at St Mark’s; parishioner and contemporary artist Betsy Stoltz; and longtime attendee Ellen Green.
Don't miss the community centre's communal art piece, the exhibition Stories of Diversity & Belonging by students from Sacred Heart School Fitzroy, or the HIV/AIDS memorial emphasising the church’s long-standing support of the LGBTQIA+ community. You're invited to join a curator talk in the Rafters Gallery on Sunday afternoon.
See and hear the story of St. Mark’s ongoing role in supporting the Indigenous community of Fitzroy and the story of ‘The seven women who saved St Mark’s.’
Inside the children's library, you'll see stained glass windows that date back to the 1930s that were once part of Victoria’s first free children’s library during the Great Depression.
Enjoy the community screening of a classic 1930s Charlie Chaplin film, an homage to the church’s historical efforts in bringing joy to disadvantaged residents through cinema.
Children's Activities
A dedicated art therapy station for children will be available, allowing young visitors to engage with the event through creativity and storytelling.
In Collaboration With:
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Reverend Dr Cecilia Francis
Cecilia Francis was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1995 and attends St Mark’s as her local parish. A former Speech therapist, Cecilia’s ministry has included cross-cultural work in Chile, hospital chaplaincy, being a parish priest, lecturing in theology and the formation of ordinands. She is a qualified Spiritual Director.
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Born in South Africa, Betsy Stoltz—a visual artist currently studying at RMIT—now calls Melbourne home. She has a background in printmaking and collage, and enjoys working with paper, text and her formidable collection of old maps. With process driving her creative approach, she enjoys exploring themes of identity, place and story-making.
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Dr Ella Whateley is a visual artist and curator working between Melbourne and Bermagui. She has a keen interest in cross-cultural dialogue & diverse religious traditions. She has a particular interest in community exhibitions for the diverse people of Fitzroy where she lives. This will be the third exhibition she has curated for the Rafters Gallery of St Marks Church.
1 St Mark's church with rainbow. Photo: source unknown. 2 St Mark's church garden. Photo: source unknown. 3 St Mark's church interior. Photo: Ella Whateley. 4 Art Therapy in the Community Centre Photo: Betsy Stoltz 5. Outhwaite windows in St Mark's Community Centre. Photo: The Rev'd Ken Goodger
Important Details
Tour/event summary information
Saturday 26 July
Open access 10am-4pm
Three short talks with Betsy Stoltz, Rev’d Dr Cecilia Frances and
Stories of Inclusion @ St Mark’s, the AIDS crisis and ongoing support for the LGBTQI+ community
From 12pm for up to 50 people
No bookings required
Community centre and Children’s library open from 1.30-2.30pm
No bookings required
Movie screening: Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times at 2pm for up to 24
No bookings required
Sunday 27 July
Open access 11.30am-5.30pm
Organ demonstration 11.45am
No bookings required
Exhibition curator talk with Ella Whateley at 1pm
Running for 30 minutes in a group of 25
No bookings required
Community centre and Children’s library open from 1.30-2.30pm
No bookings required
Bookings
No bookings required. Capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meeting Point
Entry through main door of church at 250 George Street. No food or drink allowed inside.
Accessibility
Partially wheelchair accessible, Accessible parking nearby, Accessible bathroom
There is wheelchair access to most of the building, however due to the building's age there are some areas limited by stairs. To the best of our ability we will ensure this does not detract from the experience for wheelchair users.
