Church History
SAINT MARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
Saint Mark Baptist Church was organized in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Three (1893).
A small group of Christians, including three (3) deacons, built the first structure. A Bush Arbor, to be called Saint Mark Baptist Church, on a piece of land donated by the Whiley Brothers’ family. In 1934, the Usher Board was organized under the leadership of Reverend W. M. Wright, with Deacon R. H. Hayes serving as the first president.
As time passed, the structure was remodeled several times. In 1956, the ground was broken for the new church by Reverend Dr. Jervey S. Utsey, and in 1957, a new building was constructed, which stands today. There have been two (2) additions to the original structure.
Under the dedicated leadership of Reverend Jervey S. Utsey, Saint Mark Baptist Church continuously showed progress, spiritually as well as physically. Many church auxiliaries were formed: the Willing Workers Club Ministry (1948) with Sister Anna Bell Lewis as President, the Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society (1962) with Sister Cora Lee Steward as president, the Brotherhood Club, Y.W.A. Club, Sunshine Band Choir, and the Pastor’s Aide Club Ministry. Many deacons have been ordained, and ministers have been licensed, as a constant desire to grow in the name of our Creator.
A structural enhancement was the completion of the educational facility under the dynamic leadership of Reverend Fortune C. Haskell. Saint Mark Baptist Church continued to grow and make much progress. Sister Clara Dixon Britt encouraged the congregation to join the sanctuary and dining facility together to become as one. In 1970, the Nurses’ Unit was organized with Sister Anna Bell Jones serving as the first president. Easter Sunrise Service (1976) was organized by Sister Elizabeth Brothers and Sister Clara D. Britt. Five acres of land joining the Church’s property was purchased, and also a Church Bus.
Many great ministers have served as leaders of Saint Mark Baptist Church. The following list consists of former minister and the present minister of the Church: Reverend R. B. Stroman, Reverend Cato Mayes, Reverend Rome Govan, Reverend Adam Barnwell, Reverend H. Harvey, Reverend J.C. Collins, Reverend L. C. Rivers, Reverend Eddie Davis, Reverend Morris Wright, Reverend Jervey S. Utsey, Reverend Fortune C. Haskell, Reverend James D. Riley, Jr., Reverend General Britt, Jr., and Reverend Dr. Alvin A. Britt.
From 1994 to 2024, Saint Mark Baptist Church under the dedicated and compassionate leadership of Reverend General Britt, Jr. As a result, the Church has grown significantly, both physically and spiritually. Ministers have been licensed and ordained, many deacons have also been ordained, and the membership has increased. The G.B. Choir was organized, purchased a church van, completed an educational building, remodeled the dining facility, and the first Pastor to honor the title of Pastor Emeritus.
As Reverend General Britt retired after thirty (30) years as Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, the Church family recognized Reverend Britt and family with a memorable retirement celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Woodland High School, St. George, SC.
Reverend Dr. Alvin A. Britt, the fourteenth Pastor of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, was installed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.