Affectionately known for more than twenty five years as ‘Canada’s Singing Priest’, Mark Curtis, an Anglican priest, from the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, was considered the country’s leading Christian entertainer and recording artist for more than a decade.
Recording more than 15 recordings throughout his musical career, Mark’s music earned him radio and television airplay across the country. His concerts and recordings raised awareness and funds of more than eleven million dollars for various charitable organizations across Canada and the United States. His humanitarian efforts were recognized by two Prime Ministers, Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin as well as Rotary International with the reception of the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1998 and Milton’s Citizen of The Year in 1994. His performance highlights included, singing for the Royal Family, two Prime Ministers of Canada, a regular national anthem performer for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, CFL football games and some two hundred concerts annually.
Beyond the concert stage, Rev. Mark served two terms in municipal politics in 2003 and 2006. He was especially known for his role as musical ambassador to Rose Cherry’s Home, Ontario’s first hospice and respite for terminally and chronically ill children. He and his wife Rita also guest co-hosted Nite Lite Live, a late night national television program on the CTS Television Network, which was committed to reaching people in their darkest hour of need.
In 2007, he retired from his full time professional musical career as he made history, by being the first active clergyman appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice, to the judicial office of Justice of the Peace. In 2010, his musical accomplishments were recognized by the Milton Historical Society, with his induction into the Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame recognizes those Miltonians whose accomplishments are national and/or international in scope. In February, 2013, Mark’s musical talents were further recognized with his reception of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, which was presented during Queen Elizabeth’s Sixtieth Anniversary to honour her service to this country while at the same time, honouring significant achievements made by inspirational Canadians. Today, he continues to serve as an Honorary Assistant priest at Grace Anglican Church in Milton and is married to Rita and has three children and two grandchildren.
Rev. Mark is coming to Mimosa United Church on Sunday September 20 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate our 151 anniversary. He will be preaching a musical sermon entitled “Celebrating the Church Today – A Work of Hearts from Fan to Follower”. All are welcome to attend and a light lunch will follow.
