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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series list. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Neil M. McEachern House (within shouting distance of this marker); John H. Kuck House (within shouting distance of this marker); Yopp-Goodman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Morrill-Lennon House

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor-Washington House (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilburn Trask House (within shouting distance of this marker); Alderman-Johnson House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas C. Miller House (about 300 feet 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 1,171 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 21, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.