The Rev. Margaret Marquardt

The Rev. Margaret Marquardt served at Saint Margaret’s Cedar Cottage in East Vancouver for 25 years, where she oversaw the construction of a new church and the neighboring non-profit housing development. In 2003, she had the privilege of presiding at St. Margaret’s for the first authorized blessing of a same-sex couple (Michael and Kelly) in the Anglican Church.

In the 1990s, she also served the Diocese as the Archdeacon of Burrard. Driven by a passion for community support, Margaret spent a decade as a family outreach worker with the Burnaby Neighbourhood House, partnering closely with new Canadian families.

Currently, Margaret is the Chairperson of the diocesan Justice and Peace Unit, dedicating her efforts to social change grounded in the concept of "Prophetic Imagination" (Walter Brueggemann). She is an active member of both the Cathedral Committee and the diocesan unit Alongside Hope: Anglicans and Partners Working for Change in Canada and Around the World. She also serves as Chaplain to the Cathedral’s Intercessors Prayer Leaders.

Outside of her ministry, Margaret is an avid walker and a longtime vegetarian who appreciates a good cup of coffee and an Indian meal. She is always glad to make time to connect with others over coffee. One of her favorite quotes, from Leonard Cohen’s song Anthem, beautifully reflects her outlook:

"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There’s a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in."