Our History
Founded in 1866 on the ashes of the Civil War, St. Mark’s has a long history of standing up to adversity and embracing change. A mission of St. James's, the parish was first located in Jackson Ward, placed there to serve the working people of Richmond. By the early part of the 20th century the congregation was considering what was then a risky move out of “downtown’ into what was then the far west end of Richmond. In 1921 the cornerstone of our current church building was set and on March 22, 1922 the first service was held in the basement as the nave was yet to be completed. We worship in and serve our community from this building today.
From our beginning we have been a neighborhood-focused parish, made up of working people. From our founding in a city still rebounding and adjusting to the physical and social changes brought about by the Civil War, St. Mark’s has not removed itself from issues of change and conflict in its community. During the Civil Rights struggles of the 1950’s and 60’s then curate Edward Meeks “Pope” Gregory saw to it that St. Mark’s became the first integrated Episcopal church in the city. During the 1980’s St. Mark’s embraced the cause of AIDS ministry and opened its arms to those many others shunned.
Today the parish reflects its history in its continued emphasis on outreach and justice. We give an every-day face to the progressive stance of the Episcopal Church in our advocacy for full inclusion and equal access within the church and in our world.
