SAINT MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

St. Mark's United Methodist Church held its first service on August 14, 1960, in the First Merchants Bank building at 123 King Street. Rev. Ashby Lazenby was the new church's pastor. There were 44 charter members working to get their new church on its feet. The conference conferred the charter to the new congregation on November 6, 1960. Rev. Lazenby rode his bicycle door to door, inviting the community to participate.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Jan. 22, 1961 at our current site to begin a combination social and worship hall that included 5 classrooms. Participants included Dr. Orman Bryant, the District Superintendent, Rev. Lazenby, Mr. Arthur Woltz, Lay Leader, and Martha Ferguson, the first child to be baptized in the newly organized church. The first service held in what is now our Fellowship Hall was on June 16, 1961.

The second pastor was Rev. Christopher Morse. Known as Kit, he helped St. Mark's become known as a church that continually helped others. With money still a major problem, some months saw the congregation taking turns having Kit to dinner when they couldn't pay him.

In December 1968, under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Murphy, Jr., ground was broken for the sanctuary. During construction the Methodist Men brought the long roof beams from the downtown Hampton railway station to build the sanctuary roof.

Now in our 45th year, St. Mark's continues to be a church family that supports each other and serves our community. As we celebrate another groundbreaking for the new family center, we look forward to many years of sharing the gift of God's word.