St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, a small church yet a big presence on Main Street in Mendham, recently welcomed new rector Rev. Lorna Lloyd Erixson.

Erixson landed in the church’s historic rectory in May, and began getting to know the people and community of St. Mark’s.  She comes to Mendham after a comprehensive search.

“Rev. Erixson embodies the compassion, experience and caring personality we all want and need in a spiritual leader, said Karen Cerreta, Senior Warden of St. Mark’s.  

We are grateful she has chosen our community, and look forward to learning and growing through her.”

Erixson, comes to Mendham from her position as rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Perry, GA.  But you won’t detect a southern accent. Erixson hails from Belfast.

Degreed in History (B.A. from University of Ulster), Education (Post Graduate Certificate, Cambridge University), and International Relations (M. Sc., Troy State University), Erixson was called to become a priest later, after a career instructing history and political science at the university level while raising her family.  She received her Master of Divinity in 2010 from the University of the South, and was active in ministries and parishes in Georgia.

“It is a great privilege to be called to serve St.Mark’s Parish. I’m delighted to be here and believe that one of the things we are called to do together as parish and priest is to embrace risk and try new things going into the future,” said Erixson. “I think St. Mark’s is a parish that defines being resilient and resourceful, open and affirming. We extend a welcome to all. Come and experience in a liturgical worship setting the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

St. Mark’s Church is located in the center of the historic district of Mendham, and its sanctuary features Carpenter-Gothic style architecture typical of the nineteenth century.  With congregants of all ages, members of St. Mark’s Church School are often active participants in Sunday services. In 2013, a Rodgers organ donated by Ingrid Williams of Mendham was installed and dedicated.  In September, The Cottage School will utilize classroom space.  

Upcoming opportunities to meet Rev. Erixson at St. Mark’s includes “Mass in the Grass” on the front lawn at 10 a.m. on September 22; Evening of Wine and Paella from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, September 28; and “Blessing of the Animals” on the front lawn on October 6 at 4 p.m.

The congregants of St. Mark’s invite others from the community to join in celebrating Erixson’s arrival.  Come meet Rev. Erixson at any Sunday Holy Eucharist service at 10 a.m. or by appointment by calling (973) 543-4471.