Here stands Saint Mark’s Baptist Church a beacon of community and history. Since its establishment in 1867 Saint Mark’s Church’s congregation has played an important role in Capitol Hill. Saint Mark’s began as a mission of Christ Church. This was in 1867. In 1868 the mission organized its own congregation. They built their first permanent structure on Beale Terrace. It was between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Today the John Adams Building of the Library of Congress occupies that site. In 1869 it became St. Mark’s Memorial Parish. By 1870 it was St. Mark’s Parish.
In 1880 the congregation acquired the land where the present Saint Mark’s Baptist Church stands. They began raising funds for construction. The cornerstone was laid September 17 1888. The first services were held February 23 1889. Initially the new building connected to the existing chapel. The chapel then served as a parish hall. The old structure was demolished in 1894. This allowed for extending the nave. It also allowed for adding the chancel high altar and spire.
The red-brick Saint Mark’s Church combines Romanesque elements with Gothic verticality. T. Buckler Chequier designed it in 1888. The interior is particularly distinguished. It features exposed brick walls and timbered roofing.
When the Diocese of Washington formed from the Diocese of Maryland in 1895 Saint Mark’s became the first cathedral in 1896. It served in this capacity until 1902. Between 1888 and 1947 Munich stained glass windows were installed. A Tiffany window created in 1888 stands in the baptistry.
During the 1940s and 1950s Saint Mark’s faced challenges. Members moved to the suburbs. Resources dwindled. Many new residents of Capitol Hill had no connection to the church. But in 1954 a dedicated group revitalized the church. They sought ways to serve the Capitol Hill community. Some lasting legacies are the ministry to the deaf and other ministries. These ministries included Head Start and pastoral counseling.
In 1965 Saint Mark’s underwent a major renovation. Movable chairs replaced the pews. This allowed using the nave for events other than worship services.
Saint Mark’s Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8 1973. It contributes to the Capitol Hill Historic District.
Today Saint Mark’s sponsors education programs community groups and concerts. It even markets its own craft beer Winged Lion Lager. The beer came from its popular weekly pub lunch after Sunday services. The church is a vibrant community. It welcomes all to worship question celebrate and support each other. Saint Mark’s offers various worship services and classes for all ages. It also provides opportunities for local service and social justice projects. The St. Mark’s Players an in-house theater company is another highlight. Several choirs also perform here.
Saint Mark’s continues to be a cornerstone of Capitol Hill. It is a place where history faith and community intertwine. Its story is a testament to resilience renewal and the enduring power of faith. Take a moment to appreciate the architectural details. Imagine the countless lives touched within these walls. Consider the legacy of service and community engagement that defines Saint Mark’s.