Our Story
The ECS story is a
legacy of innovative community leadership.
The core values of Episcopal Community Services are rooted in the rich Episcopal tradition of community stewardship. Our history can be traced to a handful of men and women who made Salt Lake City their home more than 150 years ago, most notably Episcopal Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle. Within five short years of his arrival, the cornerstone for the Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s was laid, parishes and missions were formed throughout the region, and the first Utah hospital, also named St. Mark’s, was founded.
Utah’s First Hospital
St. Mark’s Hospital continues as a leader in Utah Medical Care.
From humble beginnings serving miners in a small adobe building, St. Mark’s Hospital became a pillar of medical care in Utah, proudly boasting many of the state’s first medical services including:
Utah’s first ambulance service
Utah’s first aseptic methods
Utah’s first bacteriology lab and x-ray machines
Utah’s first school of nursing
Hospital chaplains
Beyond the hospital, the Episcopal commitment outside church walls led to:
Utah’s first multi-faith schools (including today’s Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School)
Shelters for the homeless
Low income housing for seniors
the development of Indigenous community services
Today, we continue our legacy of commitment to better the lives of others through transformative programs.
ECS is one of the largest employers of professional chaplains in Utah, trains skilled multifaith chaplains through its accredited progam, and supports high-risk youth through after-school programming.
