In 1889, a Methodist preacher
came to Baton Rouge and established a mission at a private home in Pete's
Alley. As the congregation grew, they moved to North Blvd., and then
to Lucy St. They small group incorporated as the St. Mark Methodist
Episcopal Church 1889.
A wooden church was built in
1908, but was destroyed by a storm the following year. Towards the
end of 1909, they began to rebuild the church under the leadership of Rev.
John McKee.
The church continued to grow
in size. Education became a priority of the church. It worked
to help establish adequate schools for minorities. The church was
even used as a school while a nearby school was being built.
In 1952, the church at the corner
of Convention and 14th Streets was remodeled under the leadership of Rev.
John D. McCrory. When Rev. W.T. Handy, Jr. served as pastor, later
in the 1950's, a parsonage was built.
In May, 1989, the church relocated
to its present location on Glen Oaks Dr. The pastor at that time
was Rev. Kenneth M. Fisher. The church paid off its mortgage in 1995,
under the leadership of Rev. James F. Haynes.
SOURCE: History of St. Mark United
Methodist Church |
