That is my unofficial role and title which I have given myself. I am not a canon, but I do feel like a docent much of the time. The reason is that St. Mark's is something of a tourist attraction and pilgrimage spot here in Vero Beach. The architecture in Florida - and especially here in Vero - is very "beachy" and "airy"... much of it is in the Spanish style. So when people drive down the boulevard and all of a sudden see this huge stone tower, and gothic arches, they invariably swing by so they can "see inside". Even if they have seen a million gorgeous churches in their lifetime, they always want to see this one. I'll bet I have given close to 100 tours of the church since being here! I have it down to a science: tell them about the doors; the floor tile; the stained glass; the plans to get other appointments, such as Stations; the chapel; the "Elizabethan" language of the liturgy; the plans for the rest of the property, etc. It is actually quite fun, and a good way to break up the day. Most tours last no more than 10 minutes. I obviously give more during the winter season when there are more people here in town. It is funny because years ago an old man I befriended at a retirement community told me once that he thought I would be a good docent. And now here I am....
This just goes to show what a nice building can do to attract visitors - especially in a small town. Continuing Anglicans often have a chip on their shoulder about people who worship "brick and morter", i.e. who care more about worshiping in a fancy old building with a paid choir rather than the Catholic faith. I would be lying if I said I never had that chip on my shoulder before. But the fact is that a beautiful physical plant, along with nice music and liturgy, and stunning decor, does a lot to get people in the door. God is also, quite obviously, deserving of the best that we have to offer.
