Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Emerson and Fehmer, Boston, Architects; Alfred Howe, Builder

— 1871–1875 —

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010

1. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Gothic Revival style church built for congregation organized in 1869. The cornerstone was laid March 23, 1871 and the edifice completed under the leadership of the Rev. Charles O. Brady. Dedicated on March 23, 1871, it was the first Episcopal church in North Carolina consecrated by Bishop Atkinson for colored people.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1871.

Location. 34° 14.35′ N, 77° 56.533′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. Marker is at the intersection of North 6th Street and Grace Street, on the right when traveling north on North 6th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Henry F. Otten House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William G. Craig House (about 500 feet away); Powell - Yopp House (about 600 feet away); Stephen Jewett House (about 700 feet away); Grace Methodist Church (about 800 feet away); St. Stephen A.M.E. Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rulfs House

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); The Salvation Army (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The St. Paul’s Espiscopal Church’s website (which also has a historical marker) says, “Even during the Civil War [St. Paul’s] was one of the first integrated congregations and had ‘free’ pews rather than the then customary practice of having to pay for designated seating in family pews. In 1869 following the Civil War St. Paul’s helped found still functioning St. Mark’s Church, the first Black Episcopal Church in all of North Carolina.”

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is the official North Carolina historical marker on 3rd Street.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010

2. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Entrance

Marker is on the left of the main entrance doors on 6th Street.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 23, 2010

3. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 944 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.