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.

Erected 2016 by Florence Historical Board Florence, Alabama.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is March 31, 1859.

Location. 34° 47.95′ N, 87° 40.356′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

It is also in the American South,

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specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

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: Dr. Hicks Boulevard (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Florence Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (about 700 feet away); Lauderdale County (about 800 feet away); The American Legion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Site of FAME Recording Studio (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Rolling Stones in the Shoals in 1969 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Downtown Florence Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Founding of Florence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 12, 2016

2. St. Mark Baptist Church Marker

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, November 12, 2016

3. St. Mark Baptist Church Marker

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 750 times since then and 51 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.