Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
St. Mark Baptist Church
1859
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, November 12, 2016
1. St. Mark Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
St. Mark Baptist Church is the oldest Missionary Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. In 1859, a group of Christians began worshipping in a brush arbor on this site. John A. Rorttock, Trustee for colored members of the Missionary Baptist Church, purchased the parcel of land at this site for fifteen dollars. The title deed was dated March 31, 1859. The same parcel was conveyed to John Polk, Richard Foster, and Abraham Jackson, trustees of the church, on December 23, 1873. The first building at this location was a frame structure erected under the leadership of Rev. Ephraim Cordie White. The present structure was erected in 1901 with Rev. Dr. L. J. Green as pastor. St. Mark was incorporated on October 7, 1950. In 1951, the church was renovated with Rev. Dr. George E. Nelson as pastor. The educational facility was added by 1974. During its long history, the church has been served by the highly qualified and respected pastors named above, as well as Rev. Judge Johnson, Rev. Rufus Slack, Jr., Rev. James E. Coleman, and Bishop Dr. Will Boyd. Through all the years, St. Mark Baptist Church has served its congregation and the community with distinction.
St. Mark Baptist Church is the oldest Missionary Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama. In 1859, a group of Christians began worshipping in a brush arbor on this site. John A. Rorttock, Trustee for colored members of the Missionary Baptist Church, purchased the parcel of land at this site for fifteen dollars. The title deed was dated March 31, 1859. The same parcel was conveyed to John Polk, Richard Foster, and Abraham Jackson, trustees of the church, on December 23, 1873. The first building at this location was a frame structure erected under the leadership of Rev. Ephraim Cordie White. The present structure was erected in 1901 with Rev. Dr. L. J. Green as pastor. St. Mark was incorporated on October 7, 1950. In 1951, the church was renovated with Rev. Dr. George E. Nelson as pastor. The educational facility was added by 1974. During its long history, the church has been served by the highly qualified and respected pastors named above, as well as Rev. Judge Johnson, Rev. Rufus Slack, Jr., Rev. James E. Coleman, and Bishop Dr. Will Boyd. Through all the years, St. Mark Baptist Church has served its congregation and the community with distinction.
Erected 2016 by Florence Historical Board Florence, Alabama.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1859.
Location.
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34° 47.95′ N, 87° 40.356′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker is at the intersection of East Alabama Street and South Woods Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Alabama Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 E Alabama St, Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2016, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 479 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2016, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
