“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Deuteronomy 32:7
A History of St. Mark’s
Members of just five families gathered in Christian devotion on July 13, 1877 to observe the first service of record for what was later to become St. Mark’s Parish. The service was conducted by the Rev. William Robards Wetmore, who had pedaled a bicycle from Lincolnton for the occasion. It is thought that the name Mark was chosen for the new parish because there were already churches in the area named for St. Matthew, St. Luke, and St. John.
During the formative years of the parish, services were held in the old Academy on the north side of town, as well as the City Hall and the old YMCA building. A church building was erected on West Long Avenue, and was consecrated November 20, 1903 by the Rt. Rev. Junius M. Horner, Bishop of the Missionary District of Asheville. St. Mark’s officially became a parish in 1915 with an enrollment of 74 communicants.
In 1948, the parish relocated to its present site through the purchase of property from the ARP church, which was relocating. The parish hall was added in1955. The latest renovations, completed in the spring of 2005, added a second story over the parish hall and an atrium between the church proper and the parish hall.
Eighteen rectors have served St. Mark’s since its founding. Three men have gone into the priesthood from the parish. Many parishioners have given of their time, talent, treasure, and leadership for the growth and success of St. Mark’s. Many of this generation are making these same Christian contributions today.
We are located less than two hours east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our parish is in the 