St Mark Missionary Baptist Church
has assumed a significant role in the religious and educational lives of the African American community
of this area. The Church was erected in 1879 under a bush arbor after a small body of members came
out of the New Home Baptist Church. Recognizing the need for a leader, the Reverend R. Barnwell was
called as the first pastor and served from 1879-1833. The first church was erected in 1884 on land
donated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lawton. The members soon had to return to bush harbor service for six
months after the church was destroyed by fire. During that time, the members and Reverend Saxon,
who served 1897-1923, worked faithfully to rebuild the church. Through the years, the church
experienced great growth in leadership and an increase in membership. The Reverend William Maner
Brooks was called to lead St. Mark and a new building was erected on the current site. Through the
years, the church has continued to advance with the addition of a fellowship hall, nursery, and library. It
continues to grow.