A Brief History of St. Mark's

Early in the 1800’s, several Methodist families settled in the Coxestown and Estherton area. They worshiped in a log chapel located at Estherton Avenue and River Drive. The Philadelphia Conference sent circuit riders, which preached in both English and German to serve these settlers. In 1836, as a result of a genuine religious revival, it became apparent that there was a need for a permanent sanctuary. After a few years of planning and negotiating the ground was acquired. The men of the church started building immediately. In 1842, the Coxestown Methodist Episcopal Church was ready for divine worship; a picturesque country church among trees by the flowing Susquehanna River.

The first sign of growth in North Harrisburg became evident shortly after the turn of the next century. It became certain that the old Coxestown Church would have to be removed because the State planned to widen the road along the river to make a scenic drive. The Coxestown church was sold in June 1928.

By September, the present site was chosen and purchased. On Sunday evening, September 16, 1928 the official ground breaking ceremonies were held with a temporary altar being set up at the place where the pulpit now stands.

On November 18, 1928, at the Quarterly Conference, it was voted to change the name of the church to St. Mark’s Methodist Episcopal Church. (The word Episcopal was dropped from the name of the church in 1939, when the Methodist Church was united.)

The cornerstone was laid on September 18, 1928. A copper box with several items in it, including a Holy Bible, an American Flag, and a piece of rock form the foundation of the old church was sealed and placed in the wall.

The first service in the new church was held on February 3, 1929. For the first Sunday School service, the congregation, as a body, headed by the Rev. J. Carpenter Zook, marched from the old Church Hall to the new Church singing, “Onward Christian Soldiers”. At this time, the current church building stood in the middle of an open field.

The cost of the new structure and parsonage was $37,318. Having received the sum of $11,000 as indemnity from the State, the sum of $8,500 for the sale price of the old parsonage, the congregation was greatly relieved of most of the debt burden. The balance was tackled with a willing spirit with gifts and pledges.

In 1936, the people of Coxestown-St. Mark’s celebrated 100 years of Methodism. In the same year, the Susquehanna River rose to the height of 30.33 feet and St. Mark’s was a victim of the flood.

A “Day of Victory” Celebration was held at St. Mark’s on May 6, 1945 with a special program to celebrate the burning of the mortgage.

As World War II came to a close and houses began to cover the open fields, it became apparent that additional room would be necessary at St. Mark’s to meet the needs of the growing community.

In March 1951 a building committee was formed to study the needs and make recommendations. The ground for the new Educational Building was broken during special services held on Sunday morning, September 7, 1952. In October 19, 1952 the cornerstone was laid.

The Educational Building was consecrated from the teaching of God’s Word and was opened for use by St. Mark’s Methodist Church on May 3, 1953.

At the October 1955 meeting of the Official Board it was decided that the Church Sanctuary was to be redecorated. The redecoration consisted of new lighting fixtures, wall-to-wall carpeting, and new pews with hymnbook racks, refashioning the altar rail, modern doors and a new organ.

After many weeks o planning and working, the last pew was installed at 3:15 AM Easter Sunday, 1956 in time for early morning services.

Then in June 1972, the Susquehanna River rose to once again claim St. Mark’s as a victim of floodwaters. Water stood 18 inches deep in the Church Sanctuary and four feet in the parsonage.

Due to this flood devastation, a new organ had to be purchased, as well as two new pianos. The basement Sunday School room, Social Hall and kitchen had to be refurbished. The Sanctuary was used for morning worship service for the first time in October 1972. The basement rooms, Social Hall and kitchen were completed in the spring of 1973.

In April 1968 our name was changed to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church when the Methodist and the Evangelical United Brethren Churches were united.

The years since the flood have seen pastors, members, friends and families come and go at St. Mark’s. With God’s help and guidance, the years to come will bring peace and hope to St. Mark’s, the neighborhood and the world.