Foreword
5 min readThe Foreword introduces the purpose behind this record of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. It reflects on the dedication of the new facilities, honors those who have preserved the church’s story, and highlights how this brief sketch fits into the continuing history of a congregation renewed by worship, word, and sacrament.
Start ReadingThe First 50 Years
10 min readThis section traces the early years of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, from its founding in 1859 through a period of growth, challenge, and renewal. It highlights the congregation’s beginnings under Pastor G.D. Bernheim, its perseverance through the Civil War, and the milestones that shaped its identity as a steadfast and growing community of faith.
Start ReadingThe Second 50 Years (1910-1960)
10 min readThis section covers the years 1910 to 1960, marking a time of growth, change, and transition for St. Mark’s. It describes how under pastors like John Crigler and Walter Freed the congregation expanded its facilities, endured the Great Depression and wartime challenges, supported the spiritual needs of soldiers at Camp Greene, and eventually moved to a new site at Queens Road in 1960.
Start ReadingThe Next 40 Years (1960-2000)
15 min readThis section chronicles a vibrant era of growth, outreach, and renewal at St. Mark’s. It recounts pastoral transitions and program expansion (music, youth, worship), the development of social ministries (such as the daycare center and community support efforts), and the congregation’s role in founding and assisting new Lutheran missions in the region. It also describes the major building renovations, liturgical developments, and partnerships that carried the church into the new millennium.
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