Staff
The Rev. Mark W. McDonald - Rector
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The Rev. Mark McDonald was born in Bastrop, Louisiana. He and Joni, his wife of 25 years, have four children, Henry, Charles, Grayson, and Cooper. Father Mark has received an MBA from the University of South Alabama and a Masters of Divinity degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. After graduating Seminary, Father Mark was ordained to the Diaconate in June of 2000 and began as curate of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, in Mobile, Alabama where he was ordained to the priesthood in February 2001. In Jan 2002, Father Mark was called as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, New Iberia, Lousiana which also included a thriving elementary school with over 200 students. From 2011 to 2014 Father Mark served, at the same time, the rural parishes of Immanuel Episcopal Church, Bay Minette, Alabama and Trinity Episcopal Church, Atmore, Alabama. In November of 2014, Father Mark was called as Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Lillian, Alabama, and in March of 2019, Father became the Rector of Ascension Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas.
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Suzanne Anderson - Organist/Choirmaster
My husband, Mark, and I have lived in Houston since 1989. We returned to the US from 9 years living in Dubai, UAE. Previously, we lived in Hobbs, NM and Casper, WY. Once here, I attended Rice, received my BMus and MMus, and have played for many denominations. I have been fortunate to have music constantly permeate my entire life: learning, teaching, service in churches, working in local theatres, and putting on variety shows.
I am a member and former officer of the American Guild of Organists, and I am active in the Houston chapter. I am a founding member of CMI, Church Music Institute, which is an on-line resource library of sacred music. I have a passion for hymns (I collect hymnals) and am a Life Member of the Hymn Society of America. I feel that well crafted and well presented hymns are a meeting place for God and his people. As organist, I am called to ‘sing the people’s song’ in worship. I look forward to singing the people’s song at Ascension music@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org
I am a member and former officer of the American Guild of Organists, and I am active in the Houston chapter. I am a founding member of CMI, Church Music Institute, which is an on-line resource library of sacred music. I have a passion for hymns (I collect hymnals) and am a Life Member of the Hymn Society of America. I feel that well crafted and well presented hymns are a meeting place for God and his people. As organist, I am called to ‘sing the people’s song’ in worship. I look forward to singing the people’s song at Ascension music@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org
Samantha King - Parish Administrator
Growing up a military brat, I have lived up and down the east coast and finally settled here in Houston at the age of 13. I have two children, both in high school, on graduating this year. My daughters are thoroughly involved with Girl Scouts and we donate a lot of our time for community service. I have always felt it is important for children to see that the world is bigger than what is before them and at any age, there is always something they can do to help. I am also a Girl Scout Leader and try to set a good example for them by going the extra mile and living the tried and true expression that "A good deed is its own reward."