“What makes Saint Mark Catholic Church so special?” I often get asked. Saint Mark Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It has a rich history that spans over a century.
Let’s delve into the story of Saint Mark Catholic Church. Its roots trace back to 1809. Father Stephen T. Badin celebrated the first Mass in Richmond. This was a humble beginning. Richmond Township had only 300 residents then. Mission and circuit-rider priests would visit the area. They celebrated Mass in homes or the Madison County Court House. These places served as “mission stations.”
Before 1850, the Richmond mission included seven counties. These were Lee, Rockcastle, Jackson, Estill, Owsley, Garrard and Madison. In 1853, the Diocese of Covington was formed. Priests from Lexington and Mt. Sterling served the Richmond community. The number of Catholics in Madison County grew to 150 baptized persons.
In 1860, the trustees of the Richmond Catholic community bought a lot on North Second Street. They intended to build a church. The house on the lot became the usual place of worship. Financial problems forced a sale in 1865. This sale enabled the purchase of the lot on West Main Street. This is where the present church stands.
Bishop George A. Carroll dedicated the original frame church in 1867. Father Michael Callaghan became the first resident pastor in 1874. He also served as superior of the missionaries. Other pastors followed. They were Fathers Francis J. Donnelly, John J. McQuinley, Edward Healy, Joseph Merschmann and William Punch. Tragedy struck in 1906. The frame church burned to the ground during Mass on All Soul’s Day.
The present stone church was completed. Bishop Maes dedicated it on December 13, 1908. He called it a “stone structure of simple architectural beauty.” He added that it was a “substantial monument” to the Catholics of Richmond. The community had shown great effort and generosity.
Father Punch was succeeded by Father Thomas D. Cooney. Father John F. O’Dwyer became pastor in 1910. He enhanced parish life. He established a Holy Name Society, Altar Society, Young Ladies’ Sodality, and the Children of Mary Sodality. Only the Altar Society remains today. It sponsors a Christmas bazaar to fund liturgical supplies.
Bishop Ferdinand Brossart celebrated Saint Mark’s Golden Jubilee on October 21, 1917. There were 35 registered families then. Monsignor Oscar L. Poole served Richmond for 38 years. He became pastor in 1930.
A fire badly damaged the church’s interior in 1941. Mass was held in an auditorium at Eastern Kentucky State Teachers’ College during repairs.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth conducted catechism classes. In 1948, the Sisters of Our Lady of Victory opened a Catechetical Center. In the 1960s, Father John McGuire and three parishioners started a school. Saint Mark Catholic School was dedicated on November 5, 1966.
Father John Werner directed changes inside the church. These changes complied with Vatican Council II. During Father Charles M. Garvey’s time, parishioners joined the Catholic Renew Program. Father Raymond Stratman reduced the parish debt. He renovated the church. This accommodated more people.
Saint Mark became part of the Diocese of Lexington in 1988. Bishop J. Kendrick Williams appointed Saint Mark’s first permanent deacon. Deacon Dick Jackson and his wife Madeline were welcomed in May 1988.
In 1990, Father Greg Schuler served both Saint Mark and St. Stephen Parish. Deacon Jackson became administrator of Saint Mark. The original stone church was retained. It served as a model for the new church. The new church was dedicated August 30, 1998.
The old church now serves as a gathering space. It fosters community. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is in the old church. It blends the old with the new.
Saint Mark and St. Stephen combined as one parish. This happened under Father Ken Waibel in 1994. Father Tom Farrell leads the parish today. Saint Mark Catholic Church remains a beacon of faith. It is a testament to community spirit in Detroit.