It all began with a vision. On one hand, it was a vision born out of necessity, the Union United Methodist Church had its facility destroyed in a natural gas explosion, and was looking for a new way to do ministry. On the other hand, it was a vision born of possibility, members and friends of Hamilton Square United Methodist Church dared to dream of what God could do if the congregations came together. On October 31, 1972, the vision came into existence as Saint Mark United Methodist Church.
On January 9, 1973, the Saint Mark United Methodist Church gathered for worship of Almighty God; and on June 16, 1974, worship and church school were held at their new home on Paxson Avenue and Edinburg Road. It was in these early days of the church’s existence that community was formed around the vision of a diverse congregation that served the whole community of Hamilton Township in the name of Jesus Christ.
This vision of a diverse congregation that serves the whole community has led us for the past 34 years; and during that time others have joined us including members of Greenwood Avenue United Methodist Church that closed in 1985. Growing ministries as well as creative partnerships with community service organizations housed at Saint Mark, have led to a growing congregation.
A consistent partner in ministry over the last 34 years has been the Saint Mark Cooperative Nursery School that has served generations of children in this community. Saint Mark is community-oriented and every day serves as host to Twelve-Step support groups, Seniors’ activities, scouting programs, music lessons, and countless other activities. We have shared facilities with the Siloam Korean United Methodist Church since 1994.
The vision of ministry in this place is alive and well and is presently represented in plans for building and ministry expansion through our Rehoboth Building Campaign. Together we are discerning how to provide space for parking, more meeting and Christian Education space, youth space, and storage through an addition to our present building. In doing so, we provide space for those who will come to Christ through the ministry of this church in the future.
It all began with a vision. Our commitment is to minister to every segment of this community so that each person might experience the grace of God, come to know Jesus Christ, and grow in God’s love. As you page through this Directory, we welcome you to the marvelous community of faith that is Saint Mark.