Chords of Compassion
From Lake Geneva to California: A Concert of Compassion for St. Mark’s, CA
When the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, California, it left a devastating mark on the community of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The flames destroyed the church and its school, and 46 families from the congregation lost their homes. Many others were displaced for weeks or months. Amid the ash and grief, the people of St. Mark’s began to rebuild—not only structures, but hope.
St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Altadena, CA before and after the fire.
Thousands of miles away in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the news moved hearts in a small but spirited congregation: Church of the Holy Communion. After hearing about the fire and its toll, a parishioner approached the Rev. Ryan Robinson-Delaney with a simple question: Could we do something to help?
The answer was an immediate yes.
“My Senior Warden and I enthusiastically supported the idea,” Fr. Ryan shared. “One of our parishioners took the lead and organized a benefit concert. It was a true community effort.”
Held in early April, the concert featured local talent and was infused with love and purpose. By the end of the evening, this small-town event raised an astonishing $12,032 for St. Mark’s. Dr. Sue Clare, who helped coordinate the event, wrote afterward: “For our small parish, the concert was a success that we could not have imagined.”
That generosity made its way west. In a message to the organizers, Maria Horner, a leader at St. Mark’s, responded with deep gratitude:
“Our community has been showered with love and support from Episcopal churches around the country. … I’m a little overwhelmed.”
Since the fire, Episcopal congregations near and far—from St. Barnabas in Eagle Rock to Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel—have stepped up to offer space, financial help, and emotional care. More than $300,000 has been raised for St. Mark’s recovery efforts, and over $120,000 has already been distributed to families in need.
And the work is not done. “We know this will be a long haul for people,” Maria wrote, “and we are so appreciative of the generosity of the extended Episcopal community.”
Though there are no photos from the Wisconsin concert, the love behind it rings clear. It’s the kind of quiet, powerful ministry that defines the Episcopal spirit—compassion in action, community beyond boundaries, and worship that leads us to serve.
And in Altadena, even amidst the ashes, one powerful symbol was saved: the church bell. Rescued from the wreckage by a small group of parishioners—including Tom Horner—it now stands as a resonant sign of hope.
🎥 Watch the video of the bell’s recovery and what it means to the St. Mark’s community.
In Lake Geneva, the momentum continues. Fr. Ryan shared that Jazz Vespers will begin this summer on the first Sundays of June, July, and August at 6 PM—an evening Eucharist shaped by soulful music and a welcoming spirit. And on May 21 at 6 PM, the congregation will celebrate his official installation as rector of Church of the Holy Communion.
Even across distance, the Episcopal Church is deeply connected. Through music, prayer, and generosity, we witness again and again that we are one Body—and when one part of the Body hurts, the others rise to help carry the load.
