News Detail

In 2009, ECF partnered with St. Marks Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois to prepare for and launch their capital campaign, The Second Hundred Years. Prior to that time, St. Mark’s rebuilt their parish hall, which like many older buildings, had begun to crumble. The work was completed, but as a result, the congregation was carrying enormous debt. Debt retirement is one of the most difficult cases to make when raising capital funds. In addition, St. Mark’s was launching their campaign in the midst of one of the greatest economic downturns in U.S. history.

“ECF was fantastic. They kept us focused, organized and on-track and we would not have succeeded without them,” said the Rev. George Smith, Rector of St. Mark’s.

With an incentive of matching funds from their Diocese, St. Mark’s met and exceeded their campaign goal, raising a total of $1.4 million. With the money raised, St. Mark's was able to not only pay down a significant portion of their debt, but they have continued to grow in mission and ministry. They are about to open a pre-school, create a children’s music program, and are adding a new service to their Sunday schedule.  You can check out their capital campaign brochure here.

“We are continuing to grow and be a healthy, vibrant church thanks to the success of our capital campaign,” says Fr. Smith. “We are so thankful for ECF and truly look forward to working with them again in the future.”

ECF is proud to have provided capital campaign services to St. Mark's.  You can learn more about ECF's Capital Campaign Services here; email us, or call us at 800-697-2858.

This video is Fr. George's "thank you" to everyone who particpated in the St. Mark's capital campaign: