Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Saint Mark C.M.E. Church

Photographed by James Hulse, January 2, 2026

1. Saint Mark C.M.E. Church Marker

Inscription. First known as St. Mark Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, this congregation was organized by former slaves about 1867. Worship services were held in a brush arbor built at the present site of Magrill Park. The Rev. Robert A. Hagler served as first pastor, and under his leadership a two -story sanctuary was built in 1876-77. It was replaced by a new frame building in 1893. In 1954 the church name was changed to St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This site was acquired in 1972. Descendants of founding members still attend the church.

Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9994.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 32° 27.683′ N, 94° 42.87′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of Sapphire Street and Armond Drive, on the right when traveling east on Sapphire Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 Sapphire St, Longview TX 75602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Big Inch Pipeline (approx. half a mile away); Harmon General Hospital Chapel

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(approx. 0.7 miles away); Robert Gilmour LeTourneau (approx. 0.9 miles away); Harmon General Hospital (approx. one mile away); Homestead Site (approx. one mile away); Finch Family Home (approx. 2.1 miles away); Jerusalem Baptist Church (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 2, 2026

2. Saint Mark C.M.E. Church Marker

The view of church from across the street.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 76 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.