St. Mark's Anglican Church was founded in 1792. The residents of the village at Niagara commissioned to have a clergy man sent to them. In 1792, the first rector of the parish, Reverend Robert Addison, arrived, carrying with him from England a silver chalice and over 1,500 books. His library is still located in Addison Hall at St. Mark's today. Reverend Addison's parish covered all the little villages from Niagara to Burlington and Brantford. The church's construction was completed in 1809 and was known as St. Mark's as early as 1820. The building is the oldest Anglican Church still in use in Ontario.
During the War of 1812, the church was first used as a hospital for the Canadian and British troops. It was then used for the British stores after the neighboring Fort was destroyed during the war. It was finally returned to the service of the church in 1828.
Many changes and restorations have taken place in the church over the years. Today it is in the traditional form of the cross. The history of the
Niagara-on-the-Lake is reflected in the memorial inscription throughout the church. The cemetery surrounding the church provides a window into the history of the region. Used as a community cemetery before the church was built, the oldest stone there date back to 1794.
Although the building is of great historical significance, the building is mainly used for worship for the Anglican parish of
Niagara-on-the-Lake. Visitors are invited to join them for one of the weekly worship services. The church, however, is not open to the public for tours.
